Q&A: Hawks coach Lloyd Pierce on activism and admiration of MLK

Choosing to be a vocal advocate against racism and for unity as a prominent Black man in Atlanta is akin to stepping into size 20 shoes. Considering the city’s profound historical importance in the civil rights movement and the legendary figures who spearheaded that battle many years ago, it’s not a task for the faint-hearted.

Lloyd Pierce didn’t just embrace the challenge presented to him in the past tumultuous year, he rapidly transformed into a significant and authoritative figure in both the community and the NBA. The voice of the Atlanta Hawks coach emerged as a catalyst for change, vocally opposing police brutality and systemic racism. He also participated in many marches, always donning a mask.

Pierce also went deeper. He became the face of the Hawks during voter registration drives, especially when the team offered the use of State Farm Arena to the city to serve as a voter registration central for the county.

During the March On Georgia last summer after the demise of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor, Pierce emerged as a prominent keynote speaker. His closing statement, “I was born a Black man. I am going to die a Black man. But I do not want to die because I am a Black man” was met with resounding applause.

Before those incidents even occurred, Pierce had already collaborated with and donated to the Georgia Innocence Project. This independent nonprofit organization is committed to rectifying and preventing unjust convictions in Georgia.

As Martin Luther King Jr. Day nears, Pierce has recently spent time reflecting on the past year. He gained a lot of self-knowledge and insights about Atlanta, as well as a deep understanding of the NBA players’ and coaches’ strong desire to bring about positive change in communities of color.

Here’s an interview with the eloquent 44-year-old Hawks coach who passionately discussed his favorite topics with NBA.com yet again:

Q: In Atlanta, you’ve quickly become known as more than just a coach. How and when did you get your voice, and why did you decide to use it?

Pierce: I don’t know if there was a moment. I’ve been influenced by a lot of people and the work they’ve done. When you become a head coach you get a different level of access and people are asking you to speak. It’s not a moment where you show up and you’re working with the Georgia Innocence Project. There are things that lead up to that. I’ve been influenced by friends who specifically expressed and used their voice in different ways. By the time I become a head coach in the city of Atlanta and get to meet John Lewis, the Reverend CT Vivian, ambassador (Andrew) Young and Hank Aaron, I think instantly you realize you’re in a different place in life. For me, I knew in my first year here that I’m in a different place in my life if I have access to Hank Aaron, if I have access to congressman Lewis, and so what can I do in this moment to help others? And that’s really what I’ve been charged with since I’ve been in Atlanta.

I imagine being a Black man in a leadership role and with a platform in Atlanta, of all places, comes with a sense of responsibility. Do you agree?

Undoubtedly, being in Atlanta and interacting with the people there is a unique experience. I was raised learning about Dr. King, the Civil Rights movement, and the individuals involved in it, so meeting them and physically being in the places I’ve read about like Auburn Avenue, the MLK Center, and Edgewood is something else. Being in that city, knowing these people and understanding what they fought for – and that the fight is ongoing – gives you a sense of duty to continue their work. Even in 2020, leaders are faced with moments of truth where they must determine their life’s purpose. For me, 2020 brought a renewed sense of purpose and a commitment to uphold the legacy of those civil rights heroes.

You’re from San Jose, where John Carlos and Tommy Smith attended college and of course at the 1968 Olympics delivered one of the most iconic symbols in the fight against oppression. That was before your time, but did that register with you?

My uncle, who holds the high jump record at San Jose State, the same school they attended, introduced me to the university’s track program. Growing up just seven minutes away from the university, I was well acquainted with the two gentlemen and their accomplishments in Mexico City. However, my personal understanding of Black history developed through the celebration of Juneteenth. This celebration took place in downtown San Jose, and included a freedom train ride from San Jose to San Francisco. Everyone would board the Amtrak to participate in the San Francisco march.

After putting in so much work on the front line in Atlanta trying to get people to register to vote, where were you election night, and what was that like for you?

I was situated in L.A., which proved to be quite chaotic for me. You can comprehend the magnitude of our efforts in Atlanta and with the Hawks in making the arena accessible. The emotional surge and the sense of empowerment that came with our actions were truly impactful. The real champions were the organizers, but we also played our role. However, as election night approached, we felt somewhat detached. I found myself glued to the TV, anticipating some sort of revelation. The anxiety was real. It was clear that the entire process would be drawn out. We were told it could take days, or even weeks, for the final result. Despite knowing this, I sat on election night hoping for an immediate result. That’s when the true extent of the drama and division became apparent, starting from election night and continuing even now.

NBA coaches are active in the push for social justice.

Because of the turbulent events of the past year, are NBA players finally getting around to being politically savvy?

I’ll admit, I’m not particularly well-versed in politics. I believe that activism and the ability to voice one’s opinions isn’t necessarily about political know-how. As a Black man, it deeply frustrates and saddens me to see the experiences of people of color, especially in the context of politics, power, and their influence on our nation. However, I understand that I have a voice, and so do our players. They want to use their voices to collaborate with those seeking to effect positive change for people like us, people like me, and people in underprivileged communities who lack access to healthcare and political power. I cannot say for certain if anyone in the NBA is politically savvy, but I do know that we are incredibly passionate. I am dedicated to aiding the people of Atlanta and helping individuals who look like me understand that they are represented at various levels and figuring out how we can assist them in reaching these levels. This is my driving force, and I believe it’s what motivates our players as well.

In the pivotal Georgia primaries, Kelly Loeffler, the conservative Republican who has a stake in the Atlanta Dream, ran for the Senate and the players on the Dream were fiercely united against her. What were your thoughts on her?

I don’t fret over people’s opinions and beliefs as there will always be a difference in them… I’ve never bothered myself about her association with the WNBA or anyone else for that matter. It’s their prerogative, their freedom of expression, their involvement in the community and their advocacy. Our WNBA players are fervent advocates for human and civil rights. That’s the focal point – a collective of women, a team of players who have been rallying for social and racial justice for a significant period, having that kind of leadership at any echelon is commendable. I applaud our WNBA players. We are more than just athletes and coaches.

The NBA has encouraged players and coaches to express their thoughts on all things political and social, but I wonder: Would an outspoken conservative player be welcome in NBA locker rooms?

Perhaps I can provide an example without mentioning specific names. There was this extremely vocal and conservative player whose views have since evolved because he wasn’t fully aware of the opposing perspective. When this was brought to his attention, it shocked him. Personally, I appreciate engaging with outspoken conservatives who approach discussions with an open mind, and I hope they extend the same courtesy to others as well. I don’t believe it’s my duty to convince others to alter their beliefs or ideas. My role is to share my viewpoint, which is centered around equal opportunities for all, and listen to their opinions with an open heart and mind. I cannot deem conservatism as wrong, nor can I label liberalism as right. My primary hope is to establish a connection and facilitate meaningful dialogue. Even if we disagree, can we learn more about each other? This, in my opinion, is the true essence of our country, with its diverse cultures and backgrounds. Can we live harmoniously with someone from a different background? I hope so, especially since they’re our neighbors. Let’s strive to understand each other better and progress collectively. In the world of sports, we all hold differing views. On my coaching staff, we don’t always agree, but we must formulate a plan. And to do that, open and honest conversations are key.

Your college teammate at Santa Clara was Steve Nash, who was born in South Africa, raised in Canada and then played played among mostly Black players in America. Did you have conversations with Nash in college?

I wouldn’t call our chats profound, but they were always engaging. We still converse about everything under the sun. The point you raised about Steve forms the backdrop of it all. He hails from South Africa, a country where his father was a football player and which was grappling with the aftermath of Apartheid. His subsequent moves to Canada and the United States mean he has been nurtured in three distinct cultures, giving him a rich tapestry of experiences. This, in my view, is likely why he is so outspoken and fervent about community initiatives – he has seen a lot. These substantive discussions arise from actively listening and soaking in the wealth of insights from diverse sources. Sticking to a single, narrow perspective makes progress challenging. I believe this is what we’re witnessing in our nation, as our limited perspectives are causing divisions.

On that note, how important is it to hear the voices of white people and see them active as partners in the struggle for equal rights?

Many white individuals have become more aware and vocal about the issue of racism. They’ve recognized that it’s insufficient to merely not be racist – one must actively oppose racism and be outspoken in their efforts. This shift in mindset has been transformative for many white people in our country. This was evident in the marches and protests that took place last year, where white individuals stood alongside people of color to protest against police brutality, racism, and systemic oppression. This unity amplifies the collective voice exponentially, but it cannot be achieved if only Black or Hispanic people are marching. This is because the issue then becomes pigeonholed as simply a Black Lives Matter movement or a Hispanic issue. Racism affects everyone and there is a need for white individuals to join these marches and vocally denounce this pervasive issue. This increased awareness and participation have been encouraging to see, and I’ve had deeper conversations with my white friends than ever before.

You and Doc Rivers helped mobilize NBA coaches and get their participation, and how satisfying is it to see such unification?

I couldn’t be more proud of our coaches association and the united voices we’ve had since the incident involving George Floyd. The actions taken are a result of the efforts of many individuals. Doc Rivers, Rick Carlisle, Quin Snyder, JB Bickerstaff, Dave Fizdale, and Stan Van Gundy have all shown great leadership and communication. Although we’ve seen Gregg Popovich and Steve Kerr previously speaking out, I believe that this time everyone made a concerted effort in their respective cities and as coaches. Our focus is on achieving lasting and dedicated change, something we can commit to no matter our position.

An NBA champion hasn’t been honored at the White House in the last four years. How welcome will it be to have that happen again, assuming the pandemic allows for it?

A: Being a champion should be a prestigious honor, including being celebrated at the highest level in our country – a personal welcome from the president at the White House. However, due to the political divide and power struggles, this honor has been diminished. My hope is for the next champion to be warmly welcomed and publicly celebrated at the White House. This would signal a return to normalcy and a step towards a more harmonious relationship between politics, sports, and the community. Ideally, these sectors should operate as partners moving forward. Witnessing such a partnership without any divide would be a wonderful sight to see again one day.

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Shaun Powell has covered the NBA for more than 25 years. You can e-mail him here, find his archive here and follow him on Twitter.

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