We lost two legends today, Bill Russell and Nichelle Nichols.

Mr. Russell..what could you say? If you were a basketball fan, you had to at least respect Mr. Russell, even if you hated the Celtics. He was an athlete, but, also an outspoken Black man, who always said his peace.

Ms. Nichols…her role on television was trailblazing. We, as a community, got to see ourselves in the future. And, she was not a Mammy, or a Maid, or any kind of subservient role. Lt. Uhura, was a respected officer on the Enterprise. She was as needed on that deck as any of the rest of the officers.

It is with great sorrow that we report the passing on the legendary icon Nichelle Nichols. No words. #roddenberry #RIPNichelle #StarTrek pic.twitter.com/wQkB0OZ9t5

— 𝚃𝚑𝚎 ❤ 𝚘𝚏 𝚂𝚝𝚊𝚛 𝚃𝚛𝚎𝚔 (@roddenberry) July 31, 2022

An announcement… pic.twitter.com/KMJ7pG4R5Z

— TheBillRussell (@RealBillRussell) July 31, 2022

Thank you for everything! R.I.P Legend 🙏🏽 pic.twitter.com/tn2iGsArav

— Jayson Tatum (@jaytatum0) July 31, 2022

Kareem Has the Floor–The Bill Russell I Knew for 60 Years https://t.co/9RUsETdOjI

— Jeff Simon (@JeffSimonbflo) August 2, 2022

pic.twitter.com/Hc6qxcKuvx

— Zach 🌍 (@NAACPYOUNGBOY) July 31, 2022

A friend sent this to me and 😭 pic.twitter.com/B8kMYlFqu3

— Heather Rae 🔜 STLV 🖖🏼 They/She 🏳️‍⚧️🏳️‍🌈 (@BatlethBabe) August 1, 2022

Breaking News: Bill Russell, who changed the face of pro basketball and propelled the Boston Celtics to 11 NBA championships, the final two when he became the first Black head coach in a major American sports league, has died. He was 88. https://t.co/XANaDNl8Pl

— The New York Times (@nytimes) July 31, 2022

We lost two greats. Two people who changed their respective games.

Two Black Icons.

Rest easy Nichelle Nichols and Bill Russell. And thank you. 🖖🏾🏀 pic.twitter.com/AWyLdBDBlO

— Jill Hopkins (@Jillhopkins) July 31, 2022

RIP Nichelle Nichols, prayers to her family 🙏🏽🕊💙 pic.twitter.com/MSiPFqxWFf

— LizzLocker (@Lizzs_Lockeroom) July 31, 2022

What was Bill Russell's life like while he was racking up 11 rings? His daughter writes: pic.twitter.com/ETKKvEbDfX

— austin walker (@austin_walker) July 31, 2022

RIP Bill Russell. Legends are forever. 🙏 pic.twitter.com/5ADklOjKRy

— Kobe Highlights & Motivation (@kobehighlight) July 31, 2022

Bill had to remind the twitter analysts what the game is about.

RIP Bill Russell pic.twitter.com/G0TL5hPADk

— AD truther (@theBrowsexual) July 31, 2022

Bill Russell: 11-time NBA champion. Five-time MVP. Member of the 25, 50, 75 Greatest Ever Anniversary teams. Two-time NCAA champion. Olympic Gold Medalist. And two NBA championships as the first Black head coach in North American pro sports history.

A legend in every way. https://t.co/CYq6V3Mc6h

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 31, 2022

The #NichelleNichols doc WOMAN IN MOTION can be streamed for free on the @ShoutFactory website or w/ a Paramount+ subscriptionhttps://t.co/ozqNevCxix pic.twitter.com/Mvpklk1dNN

— TrekCore.com 🖖 (@TrekCore) July 31, 2022

Bill Russell and Nichelle Nichols were both icons in their own right — challenging and changing public perceptions with dignity, grace and the strength of their example.

May they both rest well. pic.twitter.com/Q6vk3M8t1S

— Geoff Bennett (@GeoffRBennett) July 31, 2022

Perhaps more than anyone else, Bill knew what it took to win and what it took to lead. On the court, he was the greatest champion in basketball history. Off of it, he was a civil rights trailblazer—marching with Dr. King and standing with Muhammad Ali.

— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) July 31, 2022

Bill Russell Called Medgar Evers Family On The Night He Was Assassinated And Flew To Jackson, Mississippi To Host The City's First Integrated Basketball Camp.

After Receiving Death Threats, The Deacons For Defense Provided Security For Bill While He Stayed In Jackson. pic.twitter.com/bMVEtyahU3

— Northstar.TV🖤 (@Northstartv1) July 31, 2022

I hope the @NBA permanently retires Bill Russell’s iconic #6, like MLB permanently retired Jackie Robinson’s #42. No NBA player should wear #6 ever again. And those currently wearing it should willingly give it up. @NBAPR pic.twitter.com/CnIz153M2H

— Kenny BooYah! 🖖🏾 (@KwikWarren) July 31, 2022

As the great Nichelle Nichols transitioned to our ancestors today, here is a thread on someone she inspired to greatness – the first Black woman astronaut, Dr. Mae Jemison. Read it to see how Dr. King asked her to stay on Star Trek.https://t.co/MLkefUHQT8

— GET THEE VACCINATED OR GET THEE A TOE TAG. (@JamesMWilliam18) July 31, 2022

The story about Dr. King is utterly. amazing. Though debated what constitutes interracial kissing on 50’s and 60’s TV, supposedly Nichols and William Shatner on Star Trek shared the first “black/white one.” She also kissed a white woman ST character. pic.twitter.com/tRtFGQzq8j

— Alyce Miller #ProudCoastalElite (@AlyceLMiller) July 31, 2022

Representation matters. The gleam and joy that we see in Black and other children's eyes when they meet people like President Obama and Vice President Harris, has its roots here. It did for the once little girl I was. pic.twitter.com/7DHAHWzaqh

— Portia "You're Mean" McGonagal (@PortiaMcGonagal) July 31, 2022

May flights of angels sing her to her rest.

RIP #NichelleNichols , the original Lieutenant Nyota Uhura. The first Black woman I saw on TV who showed me we could reach for the stars. pic.twitter.com/N2JSUtgrii

— Portia "You're Mean" McGonagal (@PortiaMcGonagal) July 31, 2022

Celebrating the life and legacy of Hall of Fame player and coach Bill Russell. Bill was a legend on and off the court, and we celebrate your work as you transition to Chapter Invisible. #yo https://t.co/xcEr1gvto8

— Kappa Alpha Psi® Fraternity, Inc. (@kapsi1911) July 31, 2022

@NichelleIsUhura is forever for me the embodiment of grace, daring, intelligence, fun, inspiration, beauty, talent & the future.
Today I am heart-sad at her passing.
I consider our dearest friendship a great treasure & privilege in my life. pic.twitter.com/1U1PpWSryy

— Dr. Mae Jemison (@maejemison) July 31, 2022