OG Told Me...

I went to introduce myself to Bill Russell … OG told me:

Me: Hello Mr. Russell, my name is Pen.

Mr. Russell: Pen … did you catch him?

Me: Uhhhh … catch who?

Mr. Russell: (pointing at my long beard) The gentleman who stole your razor!

….

It was an honor to walk around McClymonds high school today with Bill Russell, an American icon. The 11 time NBA champion, Presidential Medal of Freedom honoree, and West Oakland home boy reeks of good humor. 

…

Nearly a year ago I attended a dinner in which a number of well respected names in Bay Area sports gathered to pay homage to Mr. Russell.

During the event, Mr. Russell stated something that resonates with me to this day…

“We learn to make a shell for ourselves when we are young and then spend the rest of our lives hoping for someone to reach inside and touch us. Just touch us—anything more than that would be too much for us to bear.” - Bill Russell.