Bill Russell's name may not ring a bell in the minds of many, but ardent basketball fans fondly remember him as one of the legends to grace elite the National Basketball Association (NBA).
His daughter, on the other hand, Karen Kenyatta, has established herself as a revered political analyst who frequents giant media Houses such as the Cable News Network (CNN) and MSNBC as a political analyst.
In addition, the Havard law graduate has also become synonymous with the advocacy for equal rights in America.
Karen's life was shaped by her father's trip to Kenya in 1959 which inspired her name and ultimately her life's journey.
The iconic NBA player toured Kenya at a time when the country's struggle for independence was at its peak.
In particular, a bold and brazen Kenyan was at the front, leading the civil rights movement- the late Jomo Kenyatta.
Inspired by the sheer determination and resolve of Kenyatta who ultimately became the founding president of the country, Bill returned home with a change of perspective towards his life and fight for civil rights.
Years later, when his daughter was born, he christened her Kenyatta in honour of the founding president.
Bill is renowned for leading the US team to clinch a gold medal in the 1956 Summer Olympics as well as becoming the first African American to play basketball for the Boston Celtics.
Despite facing racial abuse in his time, Bill sought to pave the way for African American athletes to break ground in sports and get equal treatment. The basketball player died on July 31, 2022, at the age of 88.
With the apple not falling far from the tree, Karen aspires to make a difference in society. Despite acquiring state-of-the-art education from Kindergarten to the epitome, Harvard Law School, Karen still experienced racism.
"My parents taught me I was no better or worse than anyone BUT I had an obligation to give back always," she stated in a tweet dated October 16, 2019.
Branding herself as a fierce advocate for equality, Karen believes that the fight is an ongoing struggle in the USA and seeks to continue living up to the 'Kenyatta' name.
