Black America Lost Two Giants Yesterday

 
Bill Russell, the cornerstone of the Boston Celtics dynasty that won eight straight titles and 11 overall during his career, died Sunday. 

The Hall of Famer was 88. Russell died "peacefully" with his wife, Jeannine, at his side, a statement posted on social media read. Arrangements for his memorial service will be announced soon, according to the statement. The statement did not give the cause of death, but Russell, who had been living in the Seattle area, was not well enough to present the NBA Finals MVP trophy in June because of a long illness. 

 "But for all the winning, Bill's understanding of the struggle is what illuminated his life," the statement said. "From boycotting a 1961 exhibition game to unmask too-long-tolerated discrimination, to leading Mississippi's first integrated basketball camp in the combustible wake of Medgar [Evers'] assassination, to decades of activism ultimately recognized by his receipt of the Presidential Medal of Freedom ... Bill called out injustice with an unforgiving candor that he intended would disrupt the status quo, and with a powerful example that, though never his humble intention, will forever inspire teamwork, selflessness and thoughtful change.

Actress, singer, and voice artist, Nichelle Nichols born Grace Dell Nichols on December 28, 1932. Nichols was admired and beloved for her portrayal of Nyota Uhura in Star Trek: The Original Series, and its film sequels. Nichols' portrayal of Uhura was ground-breaking for Black Women characters on television. 

 At one point during the series Nichols wanted to quit Star Trek but was encouraged by Martin Luther King Jr., to continue on because of the legacy and inspiration she represented for the future of inclusion. From 1977 to 2015, #NichelleNichols volunteered her time to promote NASA's programs, and to recruit diverse astronauts, including women and ethnic minorities.

 As of 2021, Nichols was one of four surviving members of the original cast of Star Trek, the others being William Shatner, George Takei and Walter Koenig.