Congrats to Nolan Smith, Duke is lucky to have him for what he does both for the university as well as the community at large.
Per Duke Sports Information:
DURHAM, N.C. – Duke men’s basketball director of operations and player development Nolan Smith has been named a George H.W. Bush Points of Light Inspiration honoree in recognition of his activism and community outreach efforts during the recent social justice movement.
Smith and his fellow honorees will be recognized at the Points of Light Awards Celebration on Saturday, Sept. 26 at 8 p.m. EST. The awards ceremony, which can be viewed this year via a live stream experience, will honor extraordinary individuals who demonstrate the traits of the 41st president – integrity, empathy, respect, optimism, conviction in the face of opposition and belief in the power of the human spirit.
“This is such an incredible honor for Nolan, and absolutely well deserved,” Duke head coach Mike Krzyzewski said. “He is a beautiful human being. We are so lucky to have him here at Duke and in the city of Durham. Nolan’s amazing work in our community goes well beyond the last few months. He has spent his life using his platform to selflessly serve others, to promote positive racial and social change and advocate for those that are less fortunate. His nickname is “The People’s Champ” and there is no better way to describe him.”
As racial and social injustices experienced throughout the nation have come to light this summer, Smith took on an active role in both the Duke and greater Durham community. The former team captain, ACC Player of the Year and National Champion helped lead multiple peaceful protests around the city, attended a summit with Durham public officials and was asked by Mayor Steve Schewel to serve as a community leader.
On August 27, Smith led an on-campus demonstration that brought together hundreds of Blue Devil student-athletes, staff and coaches in support of the Black Lives Matter movement. During the event, Smith addressed the crowd assembled on Krzyzewskiville, and his remarks were followed by Coach K, women’s basketball head coach Kara Lawson, men’s basketball student-athletes Mike Buckmire and Henry Coleman III, and Duke professor of African and African American studies Mark Anthony Neal.
The George H.W. Bush’s Points of Light Foundation was established in May of 1990 as an “independent, nonpartisan, nonprofit organization to encourage and empower the spirit of service. The new nonprofit extends President Bush’s vision, understanding that ‘What government alone can do is limited, but the potential of the American people knows no limits.'”
Presidents George W. Bush, Jimmy Carter, Bill Clinton and Barack Obama will be serving as Honorary Co-Chairs of The George H.W. Bush Points of Light Awards Celebration. For more information on the foundation, including how to view the awards celebration next Saturday, visit www.pointsoflight.org/
