From the projects to purpose: Rev. Dr. Redmond’s mission
BY California Stories Staff – Giselle Fernandez
PUBLISHED 5:00 AM PT Aug. 10, 2026
Dr. Dyke “DK” Redmond knows firsthand what it means to overcome impossible odds.
Raised in the Boyle Heights projects, his childhood was marked by poverty, violence and rejection until a teacher recognized his artistic talent and helped change the trajectory of his life. That opportunity led him to UCLA and ultimately inspired a lifelong mission of creating opportunities for others.
“I took him up on it,” Redmond said. “And that actually changed the whole direction of my life.”
Today, Redmond has transformed Sunnyside Baptist Church in South Los Angeles into far more than a place of worship. Through media training with his Heart and Soul Center, student housing and workforce development through Sunnyside 5 Student Housing, and community outreach through the church, he’s helping young people discover purpose while redefining what faith in action can look like.
For Redmond, success isn’t measured by recognition, but by the lives that are changed.
“That’s better than any Academy Award you can give anybody,” he said. “You change the person’s life where they become successful and happy with themselves… That’s what’s important.”
Driven by faith and a belief that every person deserves to be seen, Redmond continues to challenge expectations of what a church and a community leader can accomplish. His message is simple: meaningful change begins when people choose hope over fear and action over excuses.
“Believe that God’s going to do it,” he said. “And if he doesn’t, he has a better plan. So roll with it. That’s faith.”