Basketball star Kevin Durant may be a two-time NBA Finals Most Valuable Player, but according to him, his mother, Wanda Durant, is the “real MVP.” Wanda Durant’s journey is a testament to resilience and determination, making her a source of inspiration beyond the basketball court.

Wanda Durant faced immense challenges as a single mother, raising Kevin and his brother Anthony after their father abandoned the family when she was just 21. In his 2014 MVP acceptance speech, Kevin credited his mother for defying the odds and providing unwavering support.

“The odds were stacked against us. Single parent with two boys by the time you were 21 years old,” Kevin acknowledged. “We weren’t supposed to be here. You made us believe. You kept us off the street, put clothes on our backs, food on the table. When you didn’t eat, you made sure we ate. You went to sleep hungry. You sacrificed for us. You’re the real MVP.”

She’s a motivational speaker

Wanda Durant’s commitment to her sons, modeling perseverance and hard work, became the foundation for Kevin and Anthony’s pursuit of their dreams. She instilled hope and resilience, providing them with opportunities to succeed against challenging circumstances.

Beyond being a supportive mother, Wanda Durant is a motivational speaker and philanthropist. Her philosophy centers on the belief that where there is hope, there is possibility. Through her platform at MamaDurant.com, she aims to inspire underserved children, single mothers, and communities to reach for higher heights in life.

Wanda Durant has shared her insights with diverse audiences, including corporate groups like J.P. Morgan Chase and prestigious events such as The White House United State of Women Summit and the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Annual Legislative Conference.

In addition to being Kevin’s biggest fan on and off the court, Wanda Durant has embraced a role as a motivational force and advocate for positive change. Her journey exemplifies the transformative power of hope and resilience, offering inspiration to individuals facing challenges in their own lives.

Wanda Durant’s Active Role in Managing the Durant Family Foundation

Wanda Durant’s involvement in the Durant Family Foundation reflects her commitment to making a positive impact on underserved communities. The foundation, led by the Durant family, focuses on educational, athletic, and social programs to enrich the lives of at-risk youth from low-income backgrounds. One notable contribution in 2022 was a $500,000 donation toward renovating basketball courts at Bowie State University, near Kevin Durant’s hometown in Prince George’s County, Maryland. This initiative holds personal significance for the Durants, as it aligns with their roots and connections to the community.

Wanda Durant extends her philanthropic efforts beyond the family foundation. She is involved with organizations such as the Single Parents Support Network, Baller Moms, The Boys & Girls Club of America, and Mothers of Professional Basketball Players. Additionally, Wanda serves on the board of Tigress Financial Partners, contributing to financial literacy education for women.

She’s Kevin’s biggest fan on and off the court

As Kevin Durant’s biggest fan, both on and off the court, Wanda openly expresses her unwavering support for her son. She frequently shares her perspective in interviews, emphasizing that, regardless of the challenges and criticisms in the sports arena, she remains devoted to enjoying and appreciating Kevin for who he is.

She’s been the voice of gratitude to Kevin’s fans through his injuries

During challenging times, such as Kevin’s injuries in the 2018-2019 season, Wanda Durant has been the voice of gratitude to Kevin’s fans. She acknowledged the outpouring of support, prayers, and well-wishes from fans worldwide, expressing her family’s complete gratitude. In moments of difficulty, she has conveyed resilience and gratitude, emphasizing that they will overcome challenges together.

Wanda Durant: A Celebrated Figure on the Big Screen

In 2016, Lifetime produced a movie titled ‘The Real MVP: The Wanda Durant Story,’ portraying the challenges Wanda faced while raising two sons in challenging circumstances and her inspiring journey to motivate them to succeed. Produced by Queen Latifah, the film starred Pauletta Washington.

She’s outspoken in defense of her son’s career choices

Wanda Durant has been outspoken in defense of her son, Kevin Durant, especially when he faces criticism or makes career choices that attract attention. One notable instance was when Kevin left the Golden State Warriors to join the Brooklyn Nets.

 ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith made comments about Durant’s legacy, suggesting that the move might have negative consequences. In response, Wanda Durant took to Twitter to defend her son, questioning Smith’s approach and urging him to “show up better.” Despite the exchange, Smith expressed respect for Wanda, acknowledging her right to advocate for her son.

She’s an advocate for Graves disease and thyroid eye disease

Apart from her advocacy in basketball-related matters, Wanda Durant has been actively involved in raising awareness about health issues. She was diagnosed with Graves disease, a thyroid disorder, 17 years ago. Additionally, she faced challenges in getting a diagnosis for thyroid eye disease (TED), an affiliated condition. Wanda is now committed to bringing awareness to TED and educating others about the risks associated with it. She emphasizes the importance of monitoring eye health and seeking specialized care, aiming to help others avoid the challenges she experienced.

Wanda’s advocacy extends beyond basketball and health issues, as she actively engages in philanthropy, motivational speaking, and supporting various community initiatives. Her multifaceted contributions reflect her dedication to making a positive impact on diverse fronts, including education, community development, and health awareness.