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OFFICE OF THE CITY CLLRF
OAKLAND
APPROVED AS TO FORM AND LEGALITY
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fTY ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
OAKLAND CITY COUNCIL
RESOLUTION NO. 89 5 81 » C.M.S.
INTRODUCED BY COUNCILMEMBER CARROLL FIFE
RESOLUTION HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF
MCCLYMONDS ALUMNUS, WILLIAM “BILL” RUSSELL, ONE OF
THE GREATEST BASKETBALL PLAYERS IN THE HISTORY OF THE
GAME AND A FIERCE RACIAL AND SOCIAL JUSTICE ACTIVIST;
AND DESIGNATING FEBRUARY 12™ AS BILL RUSSELL BAY IN THE
CITY OF OAKLAND
WHEREAS, William Felton Russell was bom in West Monroe, Louisiana on February 12, 1934, relocating with his family to Oakland, California when he was 8 years old; and WHEREAS, Russell began his basketball career in Oakland, developing his skills at McClymonds High School under the guidance of Coach George Powles; and WHEREAS, Russell would go on to attend the University of San Francisco, becoming a remarkable player and helping secure two National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) championships in 1955 and 1956; and
WHEREAS, in 1956, Russell was drafted to the National Basketball Association “NBA”, eventually landing with the Boston Celtics and that same year helping the United States Olympic basketball team win the gold medal at the Melbourne Games; and WHEREAS, during his tenure with the Celtics he would go on to become a legend, leading the team to 11 championships in 13 years and being named Most Valuable Player 5 times; and
WHEREAS, in 1966 Russell made history when he became a player-coach, taking up the post of head coach for the Celtics, making him the first Black head coach in a major sports league in the country; and
WHEREAS, Bill Russell’s contributions extend far beyond basketball—he fought persistently for racial and social justice; and
WHEREAS, in 1961, Russell led a boycott of an exhibition game after a restaurant in Kentucky refused to serve some of the Black players from his team; and
WHEREAS, in 1963 Russell participated in the March on Washington and was present for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech; and WHEREAS, he helped open an integrated basketball camp in Jackson, Mississippi after the murder of Civil Rights Activist, Medgar Evers; and
WHEREAS, Russell also spoke out against the Vietnam War and was supportive of Muhammad Ali when he refused the Vietnam War draft; and WHEREAS, in 2011, President Barack Obama awarded Russell the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian award in the nation; and WHEREAS, on July 31,2022 William Felton Russell peacefully transitioned at the age of 88 and we celebrate his extraordinary life and indelible impact; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED: That the Oakland City Council honors and celebrates the life and legacy of William “Bill” Russell, a legendary basketball player and a fierce racial and social justice activist; and be it
FURTHER RESOLVED: That the City Council designates February 12tn as “Bill Russel l Day” in the City of Oakland.
IN COUNCIL, OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA, m 09WB
PASSED BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE:
AYES - FIFE, GALLO, KALB. KAPLAN,THAO AND
PRESIDENT FORTUNATO BAS „ ^
NOES - &
ABSENT
ABSTENTION -
t fttUSeJi- ATTEST:!h/ 'SHA REED
City Clerk and Clerk of the Council of the
City of Oakland, California
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