Brenda has lived a difficult and exploited life. Her father, she was told, was killed by the police when she was very young. Her mother, who abandoned her at the age of four, engaged in “illegal activities”. Brenda was raised in Alabama by her grandmother, who was also ‘a gangster’ and bootlegger.
Brenda had a beautiful singing voice from an early age. Realizing that Brenda could win monetary prizes in singing contests, Grandma kept Brenda out of school so she could compete. Brenda taught herself to read. When she wasn’t singing she would clean houses. She said she suffered “horrible violence” when cleaning the homes, but her grandmother didn’t seem to care.
When Brenda was 9 years old, her mother returned and took her to Los Angeles so she too could profit from Brenda’s vocal competition winnings. At age 17, Brenda ran away. She supported herself as a retail clerk, a housekeeper and a singer. At times she did very well, even singing with well-known artists, but always ended up in financial trouble. She was unable to maintain any long-term relationships. Though she never married, Brenda had nine children with nine different fathers. She doesn’t know anything about her children’s circumstances.
Brenda, who lives on the street in Skid row, has struggled with homelessness and drug problems for nearly 40 years. She is currently on SSI for mental health disability. Brenda’s dream in life is to have a house, a car, a dog and peace.
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