SAMUEL T. DUREN
Pastor, Zion Baptist Church, and licensed anger-management specialist
Occupation: Rev. Samuel Duren is pastor of Zion Baptist Church and outreach supervisor and licensed anger-management specialist at FamilyCore, a child welfare agency.
Community Involvement: He serves on the Peoria County Board of Health and is a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc. He is a former board member of Tri-County Urban League, Carver Community Center and African-American Hall of Fame Museum.
Education: Bachelor of Arts, sociology, Hampton University; Master of divinity, Lincoln Christian University
Three things he’s passionate about: Family, community and equity
Three favorite hobbies: Reading, basketball, music
Career influence or inspiration: His parents, Francis and Jean Duren, have been his greatest influence. “I was a blessed to be surrounded with so much love and encouragement from aunts, uncles, cousins and grandparents. I was raised within the church and, at an early age, I was inspired to be in the Gospel Christian ministry. My parents were a great example of how to give back to your community. I observed them actively serving their community all my life. My father served a long time on the Peoria school board and other community boards and political campaigns. This inspired me to learn more about social and community needs and read and study sociology at Hampton University.”
Inspirational quote: “You can not be you if you cannot be yourself. So be the best you can be.”
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