When the genuine MVP turned up to give the Bowie State University graduating speech in 2024, it was him. The mother of NBA all-star Kevin Durant, Wanda Durant, gave a moving speech to a group of students that she holds in high regard.

Durant grew up in Capitol Heights, Maryland, a nearby hamlet in Prince George’s County, under Bowie’s shadow. Wanda Durant is referred to as Mama Durant by the locals. After departing from her prepared statements on Friday, it didn’t take her long to become comfortable in her well-known position.

“OK. Let me just be Mama Durant,” she said after going into a more extemporaneous moment with Bowie’s graduates.

“When I stand here and look at you graduates, I see myself, I see my sons,” she continued.

“See, I know what it takes to persevere. I came from the streets of Capitol Heights, Maryland. At the time it was the drug capital of the world,” as the crowd roared acknowledging the hometown connection.

“All of your success is not just for your glory. It’s for you to look back to those coming behind you. Continue to pave the way for them” Durant said.  

“I had to raise two sons on my own when I was fearful and not knowing who I was or what I had to offer the world.  I had to do what you did and continue to strive on,” Durant said. “I made a promise to them that we were going to have a plan. Not just dreams but a plan attached to it.” 

Given that her son Kevin has subsequently made 14 trips to the NBA All-Star team, those plans most certainly came to pass.

As president of the Durant Family Charitable Foundation, Durant directs programs that use social, cultural, and educational elements to improve the lives of young people from underprivileged homes. She has given keynote addresses at numerous well-known national and international gatherings, including J.P. Morgan Chase, The Ford Foundation, and other businesses and nonprofits.

When the Durant Family Foundation pledged $500,000 to renovate the basketball arena at BSU’s Leonidas S. James Physical Education Complex, Kevin Durant made headlines last year. 

Upgrades to the press box area, more seats, and the creation of a new basketball court are all part of the renovations. The donation will also give university athletics and men’s and women’s basketball teams financial support. Additionally, it would provide a scholarship for BSU students enrolled in the Durant Center College Track.