What does it take to stand firm in your principles, even when the world pushes back? Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf’s story offers an answer.
A standout NBA star who courageously refused to stand for the national anthem as a protest against systemic racism and injustice, Abdul-Rauf faced immense backlash—suspension, fines, and an eventual leave from professional basketball. Yet, he never wavered in his beliefs as a person of faith grounded within his religious tradition of Islam. His journey, marked by resilience and sacrifice, extends far beyond the basketball court, as he continues to speak out against oppression and advocate for marginalized communities within the U.S and around the globe.
As members of the Williams community, we are all called upon to examine how privilege, systemic inequality, and collective action shape our environment and ourselves. Abdul-Rauf’s life exemplifies courage, integrity, and the transformative power of individual and collective action in the face of adversity.
How do we embody social justice in our daily lives? How do we challenge the norms that perpetuate inequality, both globally and within the Williams campus as people of spiritual, religious, and ethical standing? How do we reconcile our privileges with our responsibility to act? During this interactive session, a diverse group of student panelists will join Abdul-Rauf to explore the intersections of sports, activism, faith, privilege, and justice on campus and beyond. The event will also include an open dialogue, inviting audience members to reflect, ask questions, and consider their own roles in addressing injustice.
2:00 to 3:30 PM in Bronfman Auditorium.
Co-sponsored by the Muslim Student Union (MSU), The Society of the Griffins (SOG), Black Student Union (BSU), Giaus C. Bolin Chapter (GCBC), the Chaplain’s Office and the Athletics department.