Hoop Dreams

I was watching an interview with Celtics great Bill Russell on the Daily Show last night. He was speaking about his new book, Red and Me, which is about his lifelong friendship with his Jewish coach Red Auerbach. Together they dealt with anti-Semitism and racism and developed a close relationship based on respect and shared experiences. Of course this reminded me of the themes in Beyond Swastika and Jim Crow: Jewish Refugee Scholars at Black Colleges.

Russell helped break racial barriers by being part of the first African-American starting five in NBA history as well as the first African-American coach in the league, thanks to the help of his mentor and friend.

As part of our exhibit, we are collecting your mentor stories. Please visit the exhibit blog and tell us who inspired you.