The Boston Celtics have a significant history in Black history, as they have been a pioneering team in the integration of African American players in the NBA. The Celtics were the first NBA team to draft a Black player, selecting Chuck Cooper in the 1950 NBA Draft. They also became the first NBA team to have an all-Black starting lineup in 1964, with players such as Bill Russell, K.C. Jones, Sam Jones, Tom "Satch" Sanders, and Willie Naulls.

Bill Russell, considered one of the greatest basketball players of all time, played a crucial role in the Celtics' success during the 1960s. He led the team to 11 NBA championships and was a trailblazer for Black athletes in professional sports. Russell also became the first Black head coach in NBA history when he was named player-coach of the Celtics in 1966.

The Celtics continued to be a powerhouse in the NBA with the contributions of other Black legends such as John Havlicek, Jo Jo White, and Paul Pierce. Throughout the team's history, the Celtics have continued to prioritize diversity and inclusion, making them an important part of Black history in the NBA.