Duke’s Nolan Smith, referred to as ‘The People’s Champ’ by Coach K, to be featured as George H.W. Bush Points of Light Inspiration Spotlight

Nolan Smith has been named a George H.W. Bush Points of Light Inspiration Spotlight in recognition of his activism and community outreach efforts during the recent social justice movement, Duke announced Thursday afternoon. 

Referred to as “The People’s Champ” by head coach Mike Krzyzewski, Smith has been at the front of the charge against social and racial injustices as the leader of several demonstrations at Duke and throughout the Durham community. 

"This is such an incredible honor for Nolan, and absolutely well deserved," Krzyzewski said Thursday in a school-issued statement. 

"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."

A 2010 national champion and ACC Player of the Year for Krzyzewski’s Blue Devils, Smith is currently Duke’s director of basketball operations and player development. 

This summer, Smith has led multiple peaceful protests around Durham, including an on-campus demonstration that brought together hundreds of Blue Devil athletes, staff and coaches. 

Smith and his fellow Inspiration Spotlights will be recognized at the George H.W. Bush Points of Light Awards Celebration on Sept. 26 at 8 p.m. in a live-streaming ceremony. 

The night of celebration is a way to  “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.”

Krzyzewski discussed the influence of President George H.W. Bush on Dec. 1, 2018 — a day after Bush’s death — following Duke’s 113-49 win over Stetson at Cameron Indoor Stadium.  

“When you talk about great Americans, I don’t know if there’s been anyone better than he and Mrs. (Barbara) Bush as a team for 70 years,” Krzyzewski said that night. 

“He never celebrated himself.”

After winning back-to-back titles in the early 90s, Krzyzewski and his team made two trips to the White House as national champions during Bush’s four-year term. 

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 information on the foundation, including how to view the awards celebration next week, visit www.pointsoflight.org/bushawardscelebration.

Staff writer Rodd Baxley can be reached at rbaxley@fayobserver.com.