Ronald Reagan declares the Soviet Union an Evil Empire. The Apple Macintosh personal computer makes its debut. Michael Jackson’s Thriller dominates the pop charts. And Larry Bird and the Boston Celtics capture the NBA championship over Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and the Los Angeles Lakers. It was 1984, and for the NBA and the nation, the year was full of milestone moments.

Join author Thomas Whalen, BU associate professor of social sciences, for a fireside discussion of his new book, in conversation with Doug Most, BU Associate Vice President and Executive Editor.

Dynasty Restored: How Larry Bird and the 1984 Boston Celtics Conquered the NBA and Changed Basketball offers insight into the personal barriers Larry Bird had to overcome to achieve NBA stardom, explores the tensions that existed on the team between Bird and McHale, and discusses the unique pressures Black Celtics players faced in a post-Boston Busing Crisis environment. And it shows how this singular season turbocharged the Celtics and the professional game to unprecedented heights.

40 years later, this epic story of the 1984 championship team still resonates with Celtics fans and students of history alike. Join the BU Alumni Association for a book talk with the author and Q&A followed by a light reception.

Price: Free

Check out Doug Most’s BU Today feature story on Professor Whalen’s book for a preview of the conversation!