Darrien Michael Honora was born on September 7, 1980, at Methodist

Hospital in New Orleans, LA. He is the son of Emile Honore (d. 2018)

and LaVerne Mercadel. Darrien grew up in the heart of the 7th Ward,

known as Bac-A-Town, on the corner of Hope St. and New Orleans St.

This location was across from the Historic Parakeet Bar and Lounge

and just a block away from St. Augustine High School.

Darrien attended Epiphany Elementary with many of his Mercadel family members before moving to New Orleans East. He played at the Milne Raiders playground, showcasing his skills and talents in football and baseball. In the fall of 1995, Darrien enrolled at St. Augustine High School and graduated with the self-proclaimed best class of 1999. He was a member of the 1999 Track Indoor/Outdoor Championship team.

In the fall of 1999, Darrien joined Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, LA, as part of their largest incoming freshman class. While in college, he was involved in the African American Caucus Organization and became a member of the Prince Hall Free and Accepted Mason Fraternity. He graduated from Northwestern State University in 2003 with a B.S. in Business Administration.

During his time at Northwestern State, Darrien met and began a relationship with his future wife, C'Nita Honora. In the wake of Hurricane Katrina, Darrien and C'Nita made the life-changing decision to move to the DFW area in October 2005. Darrien has worked in the financial industry for over 21 years and is currently a Catastrophe Claims Field Adjuster with State Farm Insurance.

Following in his father's footsteps, Darrien is dedicated to mentoring and coaching youth, emphasizing the core value of discipline. He aims to prepare them for future challenges and help them achieve their dreams, while also teaching them how to handle life's curveballs professionally. In his spare time, Darrien enjoys relaxing at home as a diehard Saints, Pelicans, and Chicago Cubs fan, and competing in bowling.

Darrien has seven siblings: Jarred Honora and Alacia Honora (from his mother), and five older siblings: Tonya Whitaker (Honora), Artronise Dedaux (Honora), Natasha Honora, Rozita McCain (Honora), and Shawn Honora.

Darrien is a charter member of the DFWAASA and serves on the MGB Committee. He is honored to follow in the footsteps of previous MGB Kings from his chapter, including Vernon Mullen (‘67), Glenn Johnson (’88), Reginald Alexander, Sr (’81), and Lawrence Epps (’74).