Growing up in Compton’s harsh surroundings, Anthony Durden saw street life and danger as natural elements of his world. He discovered his life purpose later while living in Miami-Dade County.
Durden belonged to a gang before becoming addicted to drugs and ending up homeless. He now walks through areas of Miami where he once suffered as a beacon of hope.
Frequent visits to Miami’s underserved communities like Liberty City, Overtown and Goulds allow Durden to meet people right where they are. Sometimes, you can find him in the streets leading strangers in prayer or handing out water to those who slept outside the night before.
“I hit rock bottom when I was in jail with my brother, my nephews and my uncle,” Durden said. “A correctional officer asked how many ‘Durden’s’ were locked up, and in that moment, I knew I had to break the cycle.”
He walks through the streets that held him captive to substance abuse to inspire others and share resources, handing out flyers about recovery meetings and housing assistance.
He also speaks at schools, urging students to stay focused and avoid the same traps that once held him.
“A wrong turn can change your life, but a right turn can save it,” he tells them.
Durden believes in meeting people before they fall.
“If someone had reached me earlier, maybe I would have changed sooner,” he said. “So now I reach them where they are.”
Any time that gun violence impacts a community and families are faced with unexpected death, Durden joins them at vigils and funerals as a form of support. He believes healing happens when people stand together facing grief head-on.
“We can’t wait until tragedy to love our people,” he said. “Love has to show up every day.”
Miami residents now refer to him as the “Street Minister.” Durden believes God chose him to shine for those who remain in darkness because he remembers his own past of darkness.
“When I look into the eyes of someone struggling, I see myself,” he said. “I tell them God found me in an abandoned building in Overtown, and if I can rise, they can too.”
Durden works with SHEAR Inc., the non-profit founded by his mother. SHEAR Inc. was established in 2001 with the mission to enhance the community through education and mentorship programs and service initiatives.
Durden and his wife operate the nonprofit, which uses empathy to support people through reentry and youth development while filling gaps created by disappearing community resources. The Durdens dedicate their work to both their spiritual mission and their mutual passion for this mission.
He is also a member of the Circle of Brotherhood. A primarily Black male organization founded in 2013, The Circle of Brotherhood’s mission is to improve their community and address issues with permanent solutions.
“Anthony is one of the few people who understands both sides of the streets,” said community leader Leroy Jones. “He lived the struggle, and that’s why young men listen when he talks.”
Lyle Mohammad, the executive director for the Circle of Brotherhood, said he has seen Durden show up at crime scenes, vigils, and schools without being asked.
“If someone is hurting, he is there,” Mohammad said.
Parents in the community say Durden’s presence brings comfort, testifying about the positive turnarounds in their children’s lives.
“He shows up for people others ignore,” said Mohammad, who works with Durden. “Anthony understands pain, and that is why people trust him.”
Durden saw the need in his community and was prompted to organize outreach efforts to include support groups, street ministry, and one-on-one guidance.
“Anthony is proof that change is possible,” added Jones. “He speaks with love, not judgment, and that makes all the difference.”
Durden also uses the media to raise awareness and encourage others. In a recent NBC 6 interview with anchor Jawan Strader, he paid tribute to the late community leader Dwight “Screamer” Wells.
“Tune in! This Saturday to NBC 6 Voices at 10:30 a.m. as we honor Screamer,” Durden said on a Facebook post featuring Strader and activist Santonio Carter. “We are honoring a brother who gave everything to his community.”
Wells, who started the “Bikes Up, Guns Down” movement and owns Winning and Won Turkey Legs was shot and killed outside his restaurant on Oct. 11, 2025, while he was playing dominoes. The patio is filled with gifts as friends remember him as a compassionate leader dedicated to peace.
“Screamer loved this city,” Carter said during the NBC 6 interview. “He stood up for us, and now we stand up for him.”
Durden said commemorating Wells was one of the ways he lives his mission every day.
“Which is to lift those that have fallen to violence and addiction,” Durden said, “and to put a purpose behind their name.”
He believes that love and community action serve as powerful remedies to heal the pain found in our community streets.
“A lot of recovery is about having a willing spirit and the belief that life is more than pain,” Durden said.
Durden has been clean and sober from drugs and alcohol for 22 years today.
“There is no greater feeling than being an overcomer,” he said. “Ten years from now, I just want to be an even better version of who I am today.”
Correction: An earlier version of this story incorrectly referred to Anthony Durden’s mother. She is alive.
