In a city grappling with recent waves of violence, RNS Sports is offering young people in Durham a brighter path forward—one dribble at a time. The nonprofit, founded by coach and mentor Sherard Johnson, is using sports as a tool to steer kids away from the streets and into a supportive, safe community.
With eight people shot in just four days last week—three of them fatally, including a 17-year-old—Durham’s leaders have turned their attention to initiatives like RNS Sports. For Johnson, the work is deeply personal.
“Sports saved my life,” Johnson said. “I want to give back to that place, especially to these kids in Durham.”
More Than Just Basketball
Several times a week, young athletes from across Durham come together for 90 minutes of practice. But for the players, it’s more than just basketball—it’s a place to find family, structure, and hope.
“I built a family here. This is a brotherhood,” said 13-year-old Jamaad Featherston, who joined RNS Sports in the fifth grade.
The program serves children from diverse backgrounds, many of whom face challenging circumstances at home. “We deal with a lot of children from different homes, single-parent homes, things like that,” Johnson explained. “We want to keep their minds busy, give them a good way forward, and provide a safe environment where they don’t feel pressure to do anything wrong.”
Impact Beyond the Court
The organization’s mission became even more urgent after the recent shootings and the loss of a 19-year-old player to gun violence in 2023. For Johnson, these tragedies are a stark reminder of the stakes.
“We teach behavior. We teach structure. We teach teamwork,” Johnson said, emphasizing the life lessons RNS Sports instills in its players.
For Jamaad, those lessons have left a lasting impact. “Keep following your dreams. Don’t give up hope,” he said. “Just keep going. Don’t listen to the haters. Keep positive energy all the time.”
A Community Solution
As Durham searches for ways to curb violence and provide meaningful opportunities for its youth, programs like RNS Sports offer a glimmer of hope. By creating a safe space for young people to grow, learn, and connect, Johnson and his team are building more than basketball players—they’re building a stronger, more resilient community.
For more stories on community initiatives and opportunities to get involved, stay tuned to The Bull City Citizen.
