Parents, NAACP Question Alleged Racist Conduct at High School Basketball Game

Based on information we recieved a young person seated on Central Davidson’s side — whose student status has not been confirmed — wore a banana costume. We have been told by multiple individuals that the costume was perceived as being worn in a derogatory manner toward Lexington students.

Additionally, we were informed that remarks were made from the Central Davidson side of the gym, referring to Lexington students as “monkeys.”

A photo of the individual in the banana costume was later shared publicly on Facebook.

One parent wrote:

“It is never ok to be passive about racism. Why did Central Davidson High School and Davidson County Schools allow this into the basketball game against Lexington Sr. High? Things like this have happened for decades… Allowing the banana costume and then people there heard monkey noises. Items were thrown at players going into the locker room after the game, and Lexington had to leave out of the back door — it signaled to everyone what happened was ok by Central/Davidson County.”

Because of the documented racial tensions between some Davidson County schools and Lexington in past years — including prior incidents that resulted in schools being removed from Lexington’s athletic calendar — the Davidson County NAACP plans to contact school administration to discuss these concerns and advocate for clear expectations to ensure this does not happen again. No other plans have been announced.

The Davidson County NAACP released the following statement:

“The Davidson County NAACP is disheartened by what occurred at the Monday night basketball game between Lexington High School and Central Davidson. This does not represent the best of our county, nor does it honor the legacy of Black History Month. These concerns will be addressed with the administration to advocate for a more safe and dignified game for all players in the future.”

Davidson Local has contacted both Central Davidson High School and Lexington Senior High School for a formal response regarding the incident and how it was handled.