Deaunte Damper's 40th Birthday: A Celebration of Community and Love
Deaunte Damper’s 40th birthday celebration at Acts on Stage in White Center was more than just a party—it was a vibrant moment of reflection, love, and gratitude. The theater, a Black-owned space, was filled with his “Converge family,” “BUILD 206 brothers,” and friends who showed up not just to celebrate—but to pour into Deaunte the way he always pours into others.
Andre Franklin said it best: “We’re uplifting this cat, but we’re also gonna roast him. It’s all about love. We try to keep up with his energy—he’s amazing, insightful, and really cares about community. Deaunte has impacted my life in positive ways, and hopefully I’ve done the same for him.”
From childhood friends to community partners, everyone had a story. Caela Bailey, a friend since age 10, shared: “Deaunte shows up in fullness. He brings joy, depth, and isn’t afraid to dance in a fur jacket while still being the one you can talk to when life gets hard. He enhances all our lives.”
Darryl Glover, one of his BUILD 206 brothers, reflected on their serendipitous connection: “I actually needed him a long time ago—I just didn’t know it. Our conversations and bond have blessed my life.” Like many others, he was excited to see Deaunte finally pause long enough to receive love, saying, “He’s always looking after everyone else. I just want him to soak it all in tonight.”
Besa Gordon emphasized his emotional honesty and transparency: “Deaunte is the one who reminds me to be real about what I’m going through—and to tell my truth. There are things I still don’t talk about, but he pushes me to share because someone else might need to hear it.”
Even among all the jokes, there was depth. Isaiah Anderson Jr. spoke to the mutual mentorship between them: “Deaunte thought he found what he needed in BUILD—but he didn’t realize, he was exactly what we needed too.”
From the personal to the professional, his impact runs deep. Takiyah Ward, who helped organize the celebration, added: “We both struggle with celebrating ourselves, so I’m glad the team made this night happen. Deaunte is a go-getter who shows up with love and joy, no matter what.”
The man of the hour, Deaunte himself, expressed deep gratitude: “To hear my mother say she’s proud of me, that meant everything. There was a time I didn’t think I could be loved—and now I’m surrounded by it. I’ve learned to turn tragedies into triumphs thanks to this community.”
The night was an intentional blend of celebration and roasting, with Deaunte even tapping into his stand-up roots. But more than anything, it was a chance for his village to reflect his light back to him—and remind him to rest, recharge, and keep walking in love.
