BIOGRAPHY

Brenda Kaye Perryman

June 9, 1948 - April 5, 2020

Motivation, determination, and the meaning of life came to Detroiter Brenda K. Perryman early in life. She received both her bachelor's and master's degrees in speech, dramatic arts and education from Eastern Michigan University. During her undergraduate studies, she became a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., where she learned more about commitment, dedication, and purpose. Brenda taught speech and drama in the Detroit area at both the secondary and college level. She conceived many programs that utilized drama as a means of informing students about the dangers of Teenage Dating Violence and Conflict Resolution. The Teenage Dating Violence program (Into The Light) toured high schools in the metropolitan Detroit area for more than 3 years.

Brenda enjoyed a successful writing career. Her first book, “Mood Swings and Magic Carpet Rides,” poetically chronicled a love relationship with the theme: “Don’t put the responsibility of your happiness in anyone else’s hands.” Since the debut of “Mood Swings,” Brenda performed readings and lectures nationally. Her second book, “Moods for You,” delves into phases of the emotional development of women. Her last book, “Tender Ravings,” is an exploration of the diverse emotional paths we take as we grow into our true selves. Brenda always performed her poems with an exciting style that exuded the energy and mood that was intended for each. For seven years she was a columnist for a suburban Detroit newspaper chain (The Observer Eccentric Newspapers). Brenda has directed well over 100 plays.

Brenda was honored and recognized locally and nationally. She received several “Spirit of Detroit” Awards and was recognized as the local NAACP’s Most Outstanding Member. She was Daimler Chrysler Corporation’s featured poet in the company’s “Spirit in the Words” program, a program that in 1999 received The President’s Citation by Poets and Writers Magazine at a ceremony in New York City. In 2005 she was selected as The PTSA (Parents Teachers and Students Association) Teacher of the Year.

In 2000, Brenda began her role as Spirit Expert and Inspirationalist for Procter & Gamble’s nation-wide “Total You Tour,” which reached thousands of young women on Black college campuses and in urban convention centers in multiple major U.S. cities. Those appearances led to a special invitation to perform on the Tom Joyner “Fantastic Voyage.” She was the only poet selected to write and perform a poem (Right Before Our Eyes) for The Detroit Institute of Art’s special guest, actor/author Sidney Poitier. Brenda was the featured poet for “An Evening With Maya Angelou” which took place at Detroit’s Orchestra Hall. Brenda Perryman spoke on a number of topics and issues ranging from children and arts advocacy to domestic violence and inspirational issues.

Upon retirement, Brenda did not stop being an educator. Her platform changed from school room to studio. From 2010 until the time of her passing, Brenda successfully created not one but two weekly talk shows at TV33 WHPR, Highland Park. The Brenda Perryman Show, and Table Talk with Brenda Perryman served greater southeastern Michigan, the nation, and abroad. Brenda’s talk shows were exceptional and connected with audiences worldwide!

Brenda also continued to share her love for the arts as the consummate storyteller. With her team, she created new plays (Dr. Sweet’s Tinderbox and Gray Matter), and independent short films (In Trayvon’s Footsteps, and Wages). As a board member of the Detroit Repertory Theatre: Brenda took every opportunity to promote the theater’s productions and artistic casts. Last but not least, Benda supported up and coming comedians and musicians. And anyone who knew Brenda knew her undying love for MOTOWN and their legends! In 2020 she won the Michigan Chronicle Woman of Excellence award.

Brenda was a beloved mother, grandmother, distinguished member of the community and friend. She was selfless in dedicating her time to mentoring others and uplifting Detroit as a city. Above all else, she loved her family, and was devoted to her 100-year-old mother, Pearlie Mae Louis and her three children, Heather (Airrion Tanks, Sr.), Ryan (Laura), and Courtnee, and her grandchildren, Airrion Tanks, Jr., Pennie, Roman and Derrick Perryman and her brother Keith Louie. Brenda was a true servant in using her life to help others achieve their goals. Her dynamic, vibrant spirit has been missed by countless people, but will never be forgotten.

Click  Below to listen to Brenda tell her story!