Detroit, MI — Brenda Perryman, a well-loved educator, playwright and acting coach from Detroit, has reportedly died from coronavirus complications. Tributes from people who knew and loved her have been posted all over social media.
Perryman, a retired speech and drama teacher at Southfield High School, was also an advocate for women who spoke up against domestic violence. She was also the host of Table Talk with Brenda Perryman on WPHR, where she interviewed a variety of local community leaders and artists.
Perryman was hailed by many as “a role model, an icon, a legend.” She received numerous “Spirit of Detroit” Awards and was acknowledged as the most outstanding member of the local NAACP chapter.
ESPN reporter Kelley Carter took to Twitter to express her grief. She said, “Simply devastated to hear about the passing of longtime Southfield educator Brenda Perryman. She was a longtime friend of my mom and dad, a lovely person who loved her students and she had a wonderful Tina Turner impersonation! COVID is very real. Please take care of yourselves.”
Author Shaka Senghor also shared his encounters with Perryman, saying, “Rest gracefully Queen. Your ability to see our magic before we saw it, is a shining example of what it means to lead with your heart. Thank you, for every hug, encouraging word, and moment of time we shared. Love is Love. You truly are one of metro Detroit’s boundless assets. You are adored by many Brenda Perryman.”
