The Hawks and CEO Steve Koonin have agreed to meet with Atlanta civil and human rights leaders in the near future, possibly within the next two days.
On Monday morning, local civil rights leaders called for the meeting during a press conference outside of Philips Arena.
“Atlanta is known around the world as a leader when it comes to racial justice and healing in the aftermath of a public crisis,” said Markel Hutchins on Monday afternoon. “That only happens when we have the courage to converse and not just confront.”
While the Hawks have not confirmed a meeting time, Hutchins is shooting for as early as Tuesday.
“We are not just talking about the incident, but the culture,” Hutchins said earlier Monday at the press conference at Philips Arena. “What is so challenging about what Bruce Levenson said is that he felt so comfortable, not only making the statement, but writing it down.”
The incident was a racially charged email that Levenson, a Hawks owner, sent in 2012. In the email Levenson lamented about the large number of black fans the Hawks attract, upwards of 70 percent. He said the culture around the team — including a focus on hip hop music and black cheerleaders — scares away potential white season ticket buyers and vendors. He said there “are few fathers and sons at the games.”
“Atlanta has been embarrassed,” Hutchins said. “The culture of racism undermines what we have built here in Atlanta. The sentiment that black people belong only on the court, sends us back to an era Atlantans fought hard to end.”
Hutchins said Monday morning’s press conference served as Koonin’s notification that he was seeking a meeting. He has not called the CEO, who has assumed control of the Hawks, while Levenson prepares to sell the team in the wake of his comments.
“We want a complete investigation. We will not be satisfied just because the owner is selling his interest,” Hutchins said.
The Levenson incident is the second high profile case this year where an NBA owner has been caught making racist remarks. Former Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling was forced out of the league by NBA Commissioner Adam Silver. Sterling sold the team to ex-Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer for $2 billion.
Civil rights leaders said they would not be satisfied with Levenson making substantial profits from the sale if the issues of racism are not addressed and corrected.
“The attitude that has been displayed is pervasive in the front office of the Atlanta Hawks,” said Charles White, national field director of the National Action Network. “The NBA needs to seize this as an opportunity to stand even firmer. We are serious about the need to diversify ownership of franchises across the country. And as these franchises become available, if we are serious about diversity, if we are serious about having people at the table, then this is our opportunity.”
Staff writer Chris Vivlamore contributed to this article.
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