Venida Brodnax Browder

Biography

Venida Brodnax Browder (1953–2016) was an American advocate, poet, and mother, born in Newport News, Virginia. She raised seven children, including four adopted children — among them Kalief Browder, whose wrongful three-year detention without trial at Rikers Island, including nearly two years in solitary confinement, became a landmark case in the movement for criminal justice reform. She earned a bachelor's degree in nutrition from Lehman College at age 51, and in her earlier years performed as a vocalist with the soul music trio Lady T and the Shontels.

Following Kalief's 2015 death by suicide after his release, Venida became a prominent public advocate for justice reform, speaking out abo...