A Guiding Light

“Talk to anyone who knows anything about Fort Pierce and say, ‘Avenue D.’ In their mind it just lights up as a bad street, full of prostitution and drugs,” says Deaunta Toussaint. We’re standing at the back of the sanctuary of the Family of Faith Worship Center, where the Avenue D Boys’ and Girls’ choirs sing, “Angels We Have Heard on High.” Deaunta leads me to a quiet classroom and pulls out my chair. When I thank him, he says politely, “Yes, ma’am.”

An alumnus of the nationally known Avenue D Boys’ Choir, Deaunta found salvation in singing. Like many of his fellow choristers, Deaunta, 27, grew up without two full-time parents. He saw his father about once a year, and he watched his mother work two or three jobs to support him and his brother. His grandmother lived on the corner of Avenue D and 21st Street where he witnessed drug deals and even saw someone get shot.

“That changed me,” he says. “I didn’t want to be a part of that. When everything around you is negative, it’s easy to become that; but you have to have a different mindset. I maybe can’t change the world but I thought if I can change this one street that’s a start.”