Dr. Darnell A. Durrah

In our recent podcast episode on “The Daddy Durock Show,” I had the incredible opportunity to sit down with my good friend Reshawd and dive into the depths of our longstanding friendship and shared journey from our middle school days in Compton to our current paths in life.

Our friendship traces back to the halls of Vanguard Middle School, where we first crossed paths in 1992 during our 6th-grade year. Little did we know then that our connection would endure and strengthen over the years. We continued our educational journey together at Verbum Dei High School, an all-boys school nestled in the heart of Watts, surrounded by the Nickerson Gardens Housing Projects. Attending “the Verb” was more than just a choice for us; it was a legacy. Both Reshawd’s older brother and my father had graduated from there, weaving the school’s spirit and tradition into the fabric of our lives.

As freshmen, we understood that our time at Verb was just the beginning of our academic pursuits. The school’s impressive track record of sending students off to college fueled our aspirations, and we were determined to follow suit. Despite the small size of the school, Verb boasted diversity, and both Reshawd and I were actively involved in various aspects of campus life. While Reshawd excelled as a four-year member of the basketball team, securing two CIF State Championships and relishing victories over rival schools like sKerra High School, I found my passion on the football field, representing Verb with pride.

Upon graduating from Verbum Dei in 1999, Reshawd and I embarked on divergent paths. Reshawd candidly shared his journey on the podcast, recounting his experiences navigating the community college route before eventually earning his degree from a California State University. Meanwhile, I headed south to Tuskegee University, influenced by the presence of my best friend, who coincidentally was also related to Reshawd. Despite the geographical distance and the absence of social media platforms that dominate today’s communication landscape, Reshawd and I remained steadfast in our friendship, transcending barriers of time and space.

During our podcast conversation, Reshawd reflected on his evolution from dribbling on the hardwood to serving his community as a County Sheriff Deputy, a role that holds special significance given its proximity to our hometown. As we laughed, reminisced, and pondered future possibilities, it became evident that our bond, forged through shared experiences and mutual respect, remains as resilient as ever.

Tune in to “The Daddy Durock Show” to hear more about our journey, friendship, and the profound impact of our roots on our present endeavors.