Boston to rename bridge after Bill Russell, the basketball and civil rights giant

October 21, 2024

Katie Cole

Celtics star Jaylen Brown (center), Gov. Healey (second from left) and other ceremony attendees unveil the sign for the Bill Russell bridge. (Courtesy of Mike Mejia from the City of Boston)

A bridge near TD Garden will now bear the name of the late Celtics great and civil rights leader Bill Russell.

City officials re-named the North Washington Street Bridge, which crosses from Charlestown to the North End, the William Felton "Bill" Russell Bridge. The bridge has been under construction since 2018 and will re-open in April.

Boston Mayor Michelle Wu, Gov. Maura Healey, Bill Russell's wife, Jeannine, and members of the Celtics organization gathered to announce the new name on Monday. Many donned Celtics green and pins with Russell's jersey number.

Jeannine Russell spoke tearfully of her husband’s legacy, on and off the basketball court.

"Bill never chased acknowledgment, but I know he would be so proud to be honored with this bridge naming," she said. "Because deep down, Bill understood that outcomes of his convictions could be a bridge to better understanding of the challenges we face in society and how to navigate our path forward."

Jeannine Russell speaks about her late husband at the bridge re-naming ceremony. (Courtesy of Mike Mejia from the City of Boston)

Russell changed the game of basketball, winning 11 championships over 13 seasons with the Celtics. He became first Black head coach in the NBA. Russell famously had a complicated relationship with the city he played for, simultaneously hailed for his athletic skill while facing outright racism throughout his time in Massachusetts.

He was also an outspoken activist for civil rights, including participating in the March on Washington, working with the NAACP, advocating for changes within the league and protesting segregation in Boston's schools. He died in 2022 at age 88.

Speaking at the ceremony, current Celtics star and recent NBA champion Jaylen Brown called Russell an inspiration.

"Bill challenged us on the daily, challenged us throughout his legacy, throughout his career, throughout his time spent here," said Brown. "And as I maneuver through my career, I plan on continuing to walk in his light."

Jaylen Brown speaks with Boston Mayor Michelle Wu at the re-naming ceremony. (Courtesy of Mike Mejia from the City of Boston)

Additionally, Wu announced two parks will be dedicated on either end of the bridge to two "resident heroes," community advocate Robert DeCristoforo and Boston Fire Lt. Stephen Minehan.

"They represent, along with Bill Russell and the many, many people he inspired, mentored and shaped, the type of leadership that would make sure our city was a beacon of equity, justice and hope, and legacies that continue to bridge our communities," Wu said.