James Pickens Jr. Instagram – Bill Russell was a true citizen of his community, both as an athlete and social activist. Not only did he win 11 NBA championships and was the first African American head coach in the NBA, his voice was as forceful as any blocked shot or rebound. Growing up in Cleveland I remember the “Summit” in my home town, where Jim Brown assembled some of the most famous athletes of their day to come and support Muhammad Ali and his stance on resisting the draft. Bill was right there with them. That’s who the man was. RIP Captain!