Alum Olayiwola’s Passionate Poem Honors Celtics Great Bill Russell Before Tip-Off

Boston’s poet laureate Porsha Olayiwola MFA ’22 performed a poem titled “SESTINA ” in a pre-game ceremony honoring the late great Celtic Bill Russell.

Russell died earlier this year, and the ceremony honored the Hall of Famer’s incredible impact on the court as an 11-time champion, and as a leader of social justice off the court.

Olayiwola, affiliated faculty member in the Writing, Literature & Publishing Department, passionately delivered her poem as fans screamed in agreement throughout her reading.