Duke basketball program holds social justice rally in Krzyzewskiville

The Duke basketball program held a social justice in Krzyzewskiville following the shooting of Jacob Blake in Kenosha, Wisconsin.

Social and racial justice protests are sweeping the United States of America following the shooting of Jacob Blake, an African-American, in Kenosha, Wisconsin.

Blake was shot in the back seven times by a police officer and is fighting for his life in the hospital as he is currently paralyzed.

As a college basketball program that has been at the forefront of racial and social justice issues this summer, the Duke Blue Devils held a rally and protest outside of Krzyzewskiville on Thursday afternoon with key speakers such as men’s basketball head coach Mike Krzyzewski and new women’s head coach Kara Lawson.

ALSO READ: Duke head coach Mike Krzyzewski gives a powerful statement

The gathering outside of Cameron Indoor Stadium was the first event Duke students, athletes, coaches, staff, and others have been together on campus for since the Blue Devis’ game against the North Carolina Tar Heels on March 7.

Duke also has student-athlete speakers such as freshman Henry Coleman, who delivered a hand-written message to express his sadness and frustration with the issues in this country.

Speakers also included Nolan Smith and Mike Buckmire in addition to the head coaches of the two Duke basketball programs.

Mike Krzyzewski and the Blue Devils’ program released one of the most powerful statements regarding the Black Lives Matter movement following the death of George Floyd in June, and rising sophomore Wendell Moore organized a protest in his hometown of Concord, North Carolina in mid-June.

Smith has also been a very active voice in the Durham community following the recent social and racial injustices, appearing on radio and television programs such as Packer and Durham, helping organizing protests, and raising awareness for voter registration.

Game and practices in the NBA, WNBA, MLB, NFL, MLS, and NHL have been postponed in protest with the shooting of Jacob Blake and continue to raise awareness for racial and social injustices.