Trailblazer Remembered: CB Claiborne Honored with Film Premiere at Martha’s Vineyard African American Film Festival
On Wednesday, August 6th, a powerful moment in sports and civil rights history was honored as CB Claiborne—the first Black basketball player at Duke University—was celebrated with a film premiere at the Martha’s Vineyard African American Film Festival. The event took place in front of a deeply appreciative audience who recognized the importance of Claiborne’s legacy both on and off the court.
The documentary, titled The Claiborne Chronicles, captured Claiborne’s groundbreaking journey at Duke during the height of the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s. It reflected not only his basketball prowess but also the emotional and social weight he carried as a pioneer in a previously all-white basketball program.
Claiborne’s story, long overlooked in mainstream sports history, has recently gained renewed attention. The film portrayed his quiet strength, the racism he endured, and how he used dignity and discipline to help break racial barriers at one of the South’s most prestigious universities.
Attendees at the festival included former athletes, civil rights activists, filmmakers, and supporters of Claiborne’s story. Emotions ran high as viewers watched the film’s emotional retelling of his recruitment, his initial isolation, and how he earned the respect of teammates and coaches.
Though Claiborne’s time at Duke didn’t come with national headlines back then, his role as a trailblazer paved the way for future generations of Black athletes who would later find success and stardom at Duke. Many credited him as laying the groundwork for Duke’s now-diverse basketball legacy.
The film also featured interviews with Claiborne himself, now in his 70s, who spoke humbly about the challenges he faced and the pride he feels in seeing how far the sport and university have come in terms of inclusion. His presence at the premiere was met with a standing ovation.
Organizers of the African American Film Festival said they were honored to spotlight Claiborne’s life. They described his story as “essential history” that bridges sports, race, and the ongoing struggle for equality in America.
Several young Black student-athletes who attended the event expressed how inspired they were by Claiborne’s resilience. Many admitted they had never heard his name before, but now considered him a role model.
The film premiere served not just as a celebration of CB Claiborne’s courage, but as a reminder of the individuals whose sacrifices opened doors for others. Claiborne didn’t just change Duke basketball—he helped shape a more inclusive future.
With the success of the premiere, there are plans to bring The Claiborne Chronicles to wider audiences across HBCU campuses, ACC schools, and major streaming platforms. Claiborne’s story, once a footnote in Duke’s basketball history, is now front and center—where it rightfully belongs.
