Former Hawk and Atlanta native Abdur-Rahim: 'I am proud I have a lot of African in me'

As with those of Toronto Raptors general manager and Nigeria native Masai Ujiri on Thursday, the words of Shareef Abdur-Rahim as they pertain to the current Atlanta Hawks situation carry weight. 

In this case, Abdur-Rahim, an African-American, is an Atlanta native and a former Hawk. Currently the general manager of the Reno Big Horns of the D-League, Abdur-Rahim penned an op-ed for Yahoo Sports on Friday to weigh in on Bruce Levenson selling the team, Danny Ferry's racially insensitive comments, and being an African-American in Atlanta.

From his piece:

As an Atlanta native, former Atlanta Hawk and African-American, remaining voiceless on the recent statements distributed by Atlanta Hawks management discounts the sacrifices so many have made to provide a voice for injustice. 
...
As a former NBA player and now NBA executive, the game created an opportunity for guys like myself and Luol Deng to provide for our families and give back to our communities. It also allowed me to build businesses, stimulate Atlanta's economy and be part of the rich historical legacy of successful entrepreneurs in Atlanta. The notion that Africans are "two-faced liars and cheats" is offensive. I am proud I have a lot of African in me and know such traits do not carry negative attributes.
...
However, their comments represent a lack of respect and sensitivity for individuals with different experiences and backgrounds than themselves. I pray both individuals learn from this situation and work to regain the trust of the great people of Atlanta.

Abdur-Rahim's comments echo earlier comments from Ujiri and Deng suggesting the basketball community is looking at this as a learning opportunity.