Local News: Atlanta Hawks Work to Promote Diversity
Following a 2014 scandal that included insensitive and racially-charged statements from executives on their team, the Atlanta Hawks vowed to make some changes. Shortly after the incident, Steve Koonin, CEO of the Hawks, created a position for chief diversity and inclusion officer; the first of its kind in the NBA. There have been some more changes since then – the team was sold in late 2014 – but the Hawks have not forgotten their promise.A few weeks ago the Hawks hosted the inaugural MOSAIC, or Model of Shaping Atlanta through Inclusive Conversations. MOSAIC is a series of community panels aimed at discussing sports and sports culture through a diversity and inclusion lens. The event boasted high-profile attendees, including NBA all-star Grant Hill, new Hawks Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer Nzinga Shaw, and activist and author Kevin Powell. Discussions covered a wide range of topics, from Martin Luther King, Jr. to the way sports can help foster acceptance.
New D&I officer Shaw has been hard at work instigating even more positive changes for the team. In addition to organizing the first MOSAIC, Shaw organized a 20-member diversity council for the team. The council consists of both Hawks employees and community partners and their goal is to ensure that diversity and inclusion is a topic the team is focused on. Positive results are already coming from this council – last year the Hawks became more involved with the LGBT community and were the only pro sports team to march in the Atlanta Pride Parade.
What started as a small local decision is now having national impacts. Following the Hawks' decision to create a D&I position, the NBA executive team created its own D&I executive position and is now requiring all NBA teams to have a similar position created within the next few years.
