Meet
Darryl J. Gordwin
Founder of Distinguished Disciples
Also known as “Dapper D”
Step into the world of Darryl J. Gordwin, a man who wears many hats—and makes each one look good.
He’s the visionary founder of Distinguished Disciples, a movement built on style, substance, and spiritual strength. Darryl didn’t just create a program—he birthed a purpose-driven culture where young people are taught how to sit up, speak up, and stand out. It’s not just etiquette—it’s elevation.
But he’s not stopping there. Darryl is a dynamic motivational speaker, a gifted author, and a content creator whose voice cuts through the noise. He tells the truth in love, and his message is raw, redemptive, and rooted in real-life experience. His breakout memoir Just Over Broke is more than a story—it’s survival, struggle, and spiritual growth on full display.
When he’s not behind the mic speaking, he’s behind it singing and producing. A musician at heart, Darryl creates soul-stirring music that uplifts, convicts, and tells the story of a man refined by fire. Whether it’s on stage, in studio, or in service, his gift makes room for him. As a singer, songwriter, and producer, he blends gospel grit with R&B smoothness to create soundtracks for the misunderstood.
Known across the city as “Dapper D,” his sense of style isn’t just fashion—it’s a statement. From double-breasted suits to cufflinks with character, he dresses the way he leads: bold, clean, and unapologetically him.
But above all—he’s a husband and a father. His most important ministry begins at home. Every dream, every note, every word he speaks is powered by love for his family and faith in what God is building through him.
Darryl J. Gordwin is more than a man—
He’s a brand.
A builder.
A believer.
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"behind every great man is a great woman"
Distinguished Disciples is not a brand. It's a becoming.
We are the called-out ones. The misfits with a mandate. The ones who didn’t fit in, because we were born to stand out.
Built on faith, authenticity, and raw truth, Distinguished Disciples is a movement for those who are tired of watered-down answers and plastic perfection. We’re not playing church. We’re chasing God. We believe that distinction comes through the dirt, and destiny is often birthed in the darkest places.
Here, we speak to the misunderstood. The overlooked. The ones who still believe that grace can change everything — and that purpose doesn’t skip the broken.
We teach. We create. We lift. We build.
From devotionals to discipleship, from storytelling to spiritual strategy, Distinguished Disciples exists to equip the soul and sharpen the calling.
You don’t have to clean up to come in.
You just have to be willing to grow.
TESTIMONIES
THE FUTURE
THE JUST OVER FAMILY
I am a Paralegal at Maxwell Tillman Law firm, Cosmetology student, music artist, and previous mentee of Distinguished Disciples. My experience with Mr. Darryl Gordwin was very good. He was my mentor during my time as a rising artist. We would meet every Saturday or Sunday to practice and record music that I wrote. During those times we would have long talks about life and where I wanted to be in the future. He taught me how to be confident and how to walk in my purpose. I was always a self-doubter, but Mr. Gordwin showed me that I had no reason to doubt. He taught me how to work hard from the bottom and never give up. He is a great leader, father, and mentor. No matter what I was going through he always had something positive to say. He treated me like family and that is what a mentorship is supposed to feel. He can be tough at times, but we always need someone to motivate us and push us to do better in this life. Mr. Gordwin and the Distinguished Disciples Organization is what we need in this generation today. To help guide those who are lost and seeking help, but don't know where to get it. There are so many young men and women who have grown up without fathers, mothers, or someone to help guide them in the direction that they should go. The Distinguished Disciples is the door for those kids and all it takes is just one person to see the man in the mirror and decided to make a difference. - Taylor Adams
'From the mouths of children and infants You have ordained praise'
Psalm 8:2
"How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!"
Psalm 133:1
Mr. Darryl Gordwin is one of the most elevating, creative, and loving people around. There is always a good energy around him and ever since we met and he started mentoring me, I have grown more mentally from a lot of sayings and lessons from him. My father and I, never really shared a real bond and when I would look around and see others fathers and sons bonds it left me with a feeling of despair. That all changed when I met Mr. Gordwin and that bond, I was always looking for finally happened. We came together on both of our love and passion for music and it came at the perfect time because I really needed somebody to believe in me, give me motivation and that's exactly what he and The Distinguished Disciples Organization did. They gave me the opportunity to record in my first real studio, to learning how to work every piece of equipment for myself as well as supplied me with equipment I could use at home. This organization changed my life. Mr. Gordwin’s discussions, lessons and wisdom with me about being independent and becoming a man I take with me to this day. I'm on a journey to being my own independent man now, but I’ll always have nothing but love and respect for this organization and the men who took the time to give me what I didn’t even know I truly needed - Shundell Allen
I would like to thank Mr. Darryl Gordwin, one of the most influential men in my life. The various meetings we've had provided me with more clarity in my strengths and weaknesses. Thank you Distinguished Disciples for guiding me throughout my life's journey and the advice you have giving to me, for it has been most helpful in my journey of becoming a real man. - Ronald Williams
I am honored to write about my incredible mentor Mr. Darryl Gordwin. I have been privileged with getting to know Darryl over the last four years. He has served as my mentor since I started working in telecommunications. Upon meeting Darryl, he was always so professional and poised in providing assistance. I instantly felt comfortable with asking him questions about IT and told him how I aspired to be in his position someday. He was always so nice and helpful anytime I had questions. He always applied patience's when explaining anything I would ask. He has been a constant wealth of knowledge in guiding me throughout my career. He provided me countless resources to aid me in my studies. He encouraged and pushed me to pursue completing my education and has provided support anytime I needed his assistance with breaking down intricate processes as it related to computers and network configurations. Darryl always was so supportive whether I was local or miles away. His drive to motivate and push you to succeed is inspiring. He is a true leader and motivator. If it wasn’t for him believing in me, I would have left the company I work for now a long time ago but he encouraged me to stay and challenged myself to overcome the obstacles that I faced and was a listening ear during my times of frustration. Through his mentorship, I was able to get my Bachelor’s degree paid for by our company and I landed a leadership role because I was able to witness what good leadership looks like from Darryl leading and guiding me to success. He is an remarkable person, professionally and personally. He continually helps & supports me as a mentor and as a friend. His words of encouragement meant so much during hard times. He is such a positive and optimistic person that it becomes infectious on your outlook of things in life and makes you feel like you can accomplish anything you may face. It is truly his talent to motivate and inspire people. I highly recommend The Distinguished Disciples and their leaders in making an impact on the community and youth. Because of their leadership and encouragement the youth as well as other will be lead to a successful future like it has done for me. - Bre James
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as a testament to the kind heart, Godly spirit and generous character of Darryl Gordwin. I have known Darryl since 1996, our Sophomore year in high school. Darryl and I shared a love of music and were both Vocal majors at Chicago Vocational High School which promoted a close friendship between us; became a brother to me during our high school years.
Darryl and I respectively became teen parents in our Junior year of high school. Though he had a child of his own, he was still compelled to help me out as I was tasked with caring for my child alone without the help of her father nor any of my family. At the time Darryl worked at a grocery store which allowed him to pre-purchase items and have the payment due taken out of his following paycheck. Darryl extended that privilege to me and allowed me to get diapers and other baby items I was in need of and pay him back as I was able to. That gesture meant the world to me at 17 years old with a child depending on me alone and my part-time McDonald’s check.
This is my personal testimony to the generosity of Darryl Gordwin but I have witnessed him extend that same type of care and concern to many others; he is truly a blessing to know. - Eboni Harmon
My Trusted Resources
Dedication. Expertise. Passion.
The People of Resource are more than just a network — they’re a living, breathing extension of purpose. We are a community of creators, visionaries, builders, mentors, and believers who show up not just with answers, but with presence.
This circle was born from the belief that no one should have to rise alone. We are the ones who dig deeper, give more, and carry light into dark places. Each individual brings something unique to the table — whether it’s experience, insight, creativity, strategy, or simple encouragement. But what connects us is our shared conviction: that legacy isn’t built in isolation — it’s built together.
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🔥 3 Days of Fire
A Free Devotional for the Misunderstood
✨ You’ve survived the fire… now it’s time to find purpose in the ashes.
This ain’t fluff. This is faith forged in pain, purpose pulled from pressure, and truth that speaks to the ones who’ve been overlooked, counted out, or told they were too much.
This free 3-day devotional from Distinguished: Messages for the Misunderstood is a lifeline for the ones still standing—but wondering why they had to fight so hard in the first place.
📖 Inside You'll Find:
✅ Day 1 – The Weight That Made You Wise
✅ Day 2 – You Were Never Too Much
✅ Day 3 – God Still Sees You
Each day includes:
✔️ Real Talk
✔️ Scripture
✔️ Reflection
✔️ Challenge
✔️ A Raw Prayer
