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Aram Goudsouzian, Bizot Family Professor of History, University of Memphis

Bill Russell's legacy of NBA championships and cerebral fight for equal rights

Bill Russell, left, celebrates with Celtics coach Red Auerbach after defeating the Los Angeles Lakers to win their eighth-straight NBA Championship, in Boston, April 29, 1966. AP Photo/File

On May 1, 1968, Bill Russell led the Boston Celtics to another NBA championship, triumphing over the rival Los Angeles Lakers.

But this time Russell was not just the star center, the defensive stalwart, the linchpin of pro basketball’s most extraordinary dynasty.

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