Bill Russell Statue Design Revealed

07:38

May 18, 2012

The statue will be installed next year in Boston’s City Hall Plaza. (Courtesy)

Even in a sports town like Boston, with more than its share of sports heroes, Bill Russell stands alone. He was a Celtics super-star, who won 11 championships over 13 seasons in Boston.

He went on to become the first African American basketball coach in the NBA. He was a civil right activist and continues his work as a youth mentor. Last year, President Barack Obama awarded him the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

"I hope that one day in the streets of Boston, children will look up at a statue built not only for Bill Russell the player, but Bill Russell the man," President Obama said during the award ceremony.

Well that day is almost here.

This week the design concept for Russell's statue at City Hall Plaza was released. The design was created by sculptor Antonio Tobias Mendez along with architect Matthew Oudens.

Mendez joined Radio Boston to discuss the concept.

Guest:

Antonio Tobias Mendez, sculptor

This segment aired on May 18, 2012.