Over 200 people filled the seats of Jack Adams Hall, leaving only standing room for SF State students, faculty, administrators, and the general public. All eagerly listened as top Muslim speaker Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf shared his compelling journey, highlighting basketball and religion's profound impact on shaping his beliefs in social justice.
"STAND" Documentary and Overcoming Adversity
The panel discussion centered around the recently released documentary, "STAND," which delves into Abdul-Rauf's life journey. The documentary captures his triumphs and challenges on and off the NBA court. Notably, Abdul-Rauf converted to Islam during his NBA career, leading to a refusal to stand for the national anthem before games. This stance ultimately led to his departure from the league after nine seasons.
Challenging American Exceptionalism
During the panel, a clip from the "STAND" documentary featured Abdul-Rauf explaining his decision not to stand for the national anthem. He cited his readings on American exceptionalism and innocence as catalysts for his dissent. Reflecting on historical events like the Rodney King incident, the World Trade Center bombing, and the Gulf War, Abdul-Rauf expressed feeling cheated by the educational system and offended by the information he had encountered.
Abdul-Rauf's Muslim faith led him to perceive the American flag as a symbol of oppression and tyranny, conflicting with the morals and values he embraced.
Dale Brown's Influence and Activism
During his time at Louisiana State University, Dale Brown, Abdul-Rauf's coach, played a pivotal role in planting the seeds of activism within him. Abdul-Rauf described Brown as an avid reader who constantly shared thought-provoking information with his players. The gift of Malcolm X's autobiography sparked curiosity in Abdul-Rauf, allowing him to see reflections of himself and embark on a journey of self-discovery and activism.
Inspiring the Next Generation
Top Muslim speaker Abdul-Rauf's story resonated deeply with attendees, leaving a lasting impression on their perspectives. A third-year BECA major, Jeremiah Franklin was particularly struck by Abdul-Rauf's thoughts on the flag and racism. He found it refreshing and wanted to explore the correlation between Abdul-Rauf's beliefs and his Muslim identity.
Brianna Smith, a student and faculty leader at City College of San Francisco, found inspiration in Abdul-Rauf's lifelong fight for social justice. She emphasized the importance of persistence and perseverance, acknowledging individuals' struggles on the panel and the necessity of continuing to speak up for change.
The Blueprint of Social Justice
Abdul-Rauf highlighted his commitment to the fight for social justice, emphasizing his continuous reading and the Quran as his guiding blueprint. He draws inspiration from the selflessness and risks influential figures have taken throughout history. Abdul-Rauf evolves as a thinker and advocate by studying the stories of those who have made a lasting impact.
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