Today we’d like to introduce you to Minister Anthony Durden
Hi Minister Anthony, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Minister Anthony Durden aka (Street Minister) was born in Miami, Florida in 1970 to the parents Brilla & Bobby Durden. In 1976 his parents divorced and his mother moved to Compton, California where he dropped out of high school and found himself involved with gangs, robberies, selling drugs and a list of other street crimes. He spent 14 years of his life in and out of prisons and jails. At age 13 Anthony had his first experience using drugs and alcohol which resulted in a 20 plus years of addiction. Anthony ended up becoming homeless, broke and during worst times eating out of garbage cans to survive. One day while high on drugs and wandering the streets of Miami, someone invited him into The Miami Rescue Mission’s Regeneration Discipleship Program to get help for his drugs and alcohol addiction. Reared in Christian faith by his parents at an early age, Anthony knew this is wait he needed to change his life. The Miami Rescue Mission is a well known faith-based Christian organization located in the heart of Miami, Fl.
In 2006 Anthony graduated from the Miami Rescue Mission Regeneration Program. He graduated as a Mentor to the residents and gained respect and recognition from both the residents and staff. The following year he became the President of the Christian Men’s Club Corporation and S.H.E.A.R. Inc, Sharing Hope Empowerment and Reaction, and also an at large member for Circle Of Brotherhood (Black Men Solving Their Own Community Problems) which are both non-profit organizations. He is also member of Koinonia Worship Center & Village under the leadership of Pastor Eric H. Jones Jr.
Since fully committing his life to the Lord Anthony has been a solider for Christ in the streets of Miami and a pillar in our community. He gives back faithfully to the organization that help save his life by returning to the Miami Rescue Mission monthly to teach bible study, host events and feed homeless men, women and children. Holy Ghost N Da Hood “Saving Our Youth”, Stop The Violence “Prayer Walks”, Christmas In The Village to name a few are the community events he has hosted.
Today, Anthony is married to Mrs. Shawnie Durden and has been clean and sober from drugs and alcohol for 21 years. He keeps a busy schedule serving in the kingdom of God and his community. He has had several stories about his life and community events featured in the Miami Times Newspaper. Most recently, Anthony was been beckoned to minister to death row inmates on Florida’s Death Row. He also partners with local high schools to involve the youth in giving back to their community by organizing feeding the homeless events in Miami. His most recent partnership is with the football team of Miramar Senior High School. He keeps a busy schedule with an array of speaking engagements, radio and television interviews. He is a renowned Empowerment Speaker, a business owner of Kingdom Wear Clothing & Accessories and CEO of S.H.E.A.R Inc. non-profit organization. Anthony recognizes that his sobriety and accomplishments is connected with his relationship with God and the work he does for the kingdom of God, to this he commits the rest of his life.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
After self discovery the road and journey to recovery in which I’m still recovering isn’t a smooth ride, because self doubt, resentment, anger, unforgiveness and childhood trauma is always a memory that’s following me in my rear view (My Past). My biggest struggle was getting clean & sober from drugs & alcohol, but staying clean & sober is a beautiful journey and experience because I can now see me.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a professional lighting technician at Chauvet Lighting in the (Quality Control Department) and I have been employed here 18yrs.
MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. – On September 2, 2013, the non-profit organization S.H.E.A.R., Inc., Sharing Hope Empowerment and Reaction, will host the 10th Annual Friends and Family Day – Beach, Bash and Baptism to benefit the homeless men, women and children of the Miami Rescue Mission. This year, Minister Anthony Durden and Chauvet Lighting, teamed together to sponsor the event where families can gather together for a day filled with food, fun and fellowship.
The 10th Annual Friends and Family Day is a free event taking place at Historic Virginia Key Beach from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. at the main pavilion. Attendees can enjoy live music, magic shows, games, tournaments and giveaways, as well as snow cones, cotton candy, popcorn and more.
S.H.E.A.R., Inc., founded in 2001, is comprised of 10 volunteers who provide community services, experiences and fellowship opportunities while giving hope to people through empowerment, education and mentoring. Volunteers visit nursing homes, children’s hospitals and jails located throughout South Florida bringing hope to members of the community and sending donations to Haiti and Nairobi, Kenya. Anthony Durden, a member of the Chauvet team for seven years, serves as president of S.H.E.A.R., Inc. As president, Durden prefers to be hands-on through ministering and networking with local businesses, city officials, private donors and collaborating with media outlets, including CBS WFOR’s Neighbors 4 Neighbors, to bring support and awareness to his organization.
“As someone who was once homeless, I am very thankful to God for his 10 years of faithfulness that has allowed me the opportunity to be a blessing to others,” Durden said. “Because of our generous sponsors and selfless volunteers, S.H.E.A.R. Inc. is able to host fun, family-friendly events that benefit members of the community in South Florida.”
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
My relationship with my Lord & Savior Jesus Christ and My Recovery (Sobriety) matters most to me, because if not for these two things I would be dead or in prison, or wondering around aimlessly just existing and not living.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Street Minister Anthony Durden
- Facebook: Street Minister Anthony Durden
- Youtube: Anthony Durden
- Soundcloud: Anthony Durden
