As the new presidential administration works to eliminate diversity, equity and inclusion programs, Americans are fighting for acceptance and inclusion in their communities. 

On Martin Luther King Jr. Day, U.S. District Judge Jerry Blackwell offered inspiration to the Duke community at the university’s Unity Rally. Blackwell spoke about his dedication to public service and his experience prosecuting Derek Chauvin in the murder trial of George Floyd.  

“The decisions that you make today, about who you are, today, right now, today, will have a great deal to do with the kind of successful person that you are later in life,” Blackwell said. “And as Dr. King says, what you do and decide now may well determine which way your life will go.”

U.S. District Judge Jerry Blackwell gives a speech at Cameron Indoor Stadium on MLK Day.

At Cameron Indoor Stadium, Blackwell spoke about his experience not only with the trial – which sparked a nationwide racial reckoning – but how he achieved things he never thought were possible. He referred to Dr. King’s “I Have a Dream” speech as the “blueprint for success,” which he said he hoped would inspire the student-athletes in attendance. 

Attendees also heard speeches from softball player Amiah Burgess, track and field athlete Andrew Robinson and softball coach Marissa Young.

The Backpack Project hosted the following event at Wilson Recreation Center, where participants worked in an assembly line to fill 200 backpacks with snacks, toiletries, clothing items and handmade crafts. Duke President Vincent Price attended, speaking with students and community members at the event. The backpacks were distributed the following week throughout downtown Durham. 

Duke junior Ashley Talwar helped launch The Backpack Project during her freshman year, and now she serves as executive director. Talwar estimated more than100 people participated in the service project on MLK Day.

“It’s honestly been, for me, an incredible thing to witness: how much we’ve grown as an organization, how much the community has come to help and support us in our mission – and on this day especially, we’re commemorating someone so amazing,” Talwar said. 

Since The Backpack Project’s conception, it has distributed more than 750 backpacks across Durham and now has 70 active members. The student-run organization is registered as a nonprofit, and has several local partnerships, including Meet Me at the Bridge and Durham Rescue Mission where The Backpack Project often distributes supplies. 

“We’re happy to celebrate a nationwide day of service, but I think we all believe that change starts on a local level,” said Duke softball player Sophie Garner-MacKinnon. “We’re getting to be involved in our community, which is something we’re happy to do.”

In addition to packing the backpacks with necessities, participants made crafts to include in each backpack such as handmade bracelets, cards and keychains. 

Darby Nevola, associate director of communications for Duke Athletics, brought her daughter, Addy, to participate in the day of service. 

“To bring her to events where there’s inclusion, and she can help other people in the community – it’s just really special,” Nevola said.

Down the road at Duke School, the Rotary Club hosted a service event where 100 volunteers packed 60,000 meals for distribution across the Triangle.

Edited by Hannah Adams and Ella Adamek