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Atlanta Hawks head coach Lloyd Pierce is taking on a visible leadership role, both within the organization and across the basketball landscape as a prominent member of the National Basketball Coaches Association’s committee on racial injustice and reform. Pierce has been eloquent in public statements throughout the month of June, using his voice to promote positive change in the community, and that continued on Monday when the 44-year-old stood alongside the Georgia NAACP in a peaceful march from the Richard B. Russell Federal Building to the State Capitol in Atlanta.
Pierce was joined by several members of the organization, including John Collins, Bruno Fernando, Kevin Huerter, Damian Jones and Vince Carter.
Lloyd Pierce, John Collins, Vince Carter, Bruno Fernando, Kevin Huerter, Damian Jones and Hawks assistant coaches are here at the March to the state capitol: pic.twitter.com/wBQ9GxYydS
— Sarah K. Spencer (@sarah_k_spence) June 15, 2020
Damian Jones, Bruno Fernando, Vince Carter, John Collins and Kevin Huerter at the @Georgia_NAACP march today: pic.twitter.com/W3yYj6sir6
— Sarah K. Spencer (@sarah_k_spence) June 15, 2020
The officially stated purpose of the march is “to address the issues of criminal legal reform, voting rights, ending police brutality and repealing citizen’s arrest.” As part of a rally before the march commenced, Pierce spoke on Georgia’s voting issues, including the revelation that he hopes to aid in making State Farm Arena a registered polling place.
Atlanta Hawks Head Coach Lloyd Pierce addresses Georgia voting problems. pic.twitter.com/f35HMVLzzc
— David Wickert (@dwickert) June 15, 2020
Lloyd Pierce says the Hawks are hoping to make State Farm Arena a polling place: pic.twitter.com/Z8vedvGOHx
— Sarah K. Spencer (@sarah_k_spence) June 15, 2020
"This is a strategy for us to go before the legislature's office and enact change." @ATLHawks head coach Lloyd Pierce speaks on Georgia's "Citizens Arrest Law" and voter suppression in the state. pic.twitter.com/jVbSHMS5X8
— GPB News (@gpbnews) June 15, 2020
Following his public remarks, Pierce joined with Hawks personnel in marching.
Along with thousands of others and the @Georgia_NAACP, Lloyd Pierce + several Hawks players and assistant coaches march on the capitol: pic.twitter.com/EiJHsAQDNV
— Sarah K. Spencer (@sarah_k_spence) June 15, 2020
On Sunday, the Hawks announced that, for the first time in the history of the franchise, Juneteenth is now designated as a permanent paid company holiday for all employees.
“I am proud of the decision our organization has made to recognize Juneteenth as a company holiday this year and going forward,” said Camye Mackey, Chief People, Diversity and Inclusion Officer for the Atlanta Hawks & State Farm Arena. “This is one of many steps we’ll take to support the positive change we need to see in society.”
Other members of the organization, ranging from principal owner Tony Ressler to star point guard Trae Young, are using their considerable platforms to influence change. As a whole, the Hawks organization continues to show substantial and important leadership in the community, and Pierce’s words, and overall presence, on Monday morning serve as another example.
Stay tuned.