Beloved community poet and former Metro Detroit teacher Brenda Perryman was known for her dynamic presence, and skillful teaching a professor of drama among the many other hats she wore —including a local television chat show host. But what she was best recognized for was her role as a friend and inspiration to the Detroit community.
Due to COVID-19-related problems, Perryman passed away in the spring of 2020.
Passionate about writing and her community Perryman authored several books and her talk show, “Table Talk with Brenda Perryman” tackled many local issues and topics.
Perryman’s extensive portfolio and dedication throughout her life were to be honored later this year as one of the 2020 Michigan Chronicle Women of Excellence.
Perryman touched many lives that have spanned through generations.
The former teacher and Metro Detroit Black legend is finally being honored after three years.
“It was like losing a family member. I look at Brenda like she’s my grandmother,” said Orna Spencer in a FOX 2 Detroit news article.
“Man, she was just so tenacious,” Spencer said. “She had this energy about her that was inspiring.”
“She facetimed me that Friday to tell me she had COVID, and I was like, ‘mom please, just please fight. We need you to fight. We need you,’” said Perryman’s daughter Heather Perryman-Tanks in the article. “She was like, ‘Heather, I’m trying.’”
Perryman lost the battle on April 5, 2020.
“Losing my mom was one of the worst, the worst thing to happen in my whole life because of how great of a mom she was,” Perryman-Tanks said. “Losing her, especially to COVID, was hard. Not being able to be at the hospital was the hardest part.”
At Southfield High, friends and family are finally gathering to honor Perryman’s life after nearly three years. Spencer, a former student of Perryman’s, will be among the performers during the celebration on February 10 who will share stories about her life. Thanks to Perryman’s instruction, she has become a playwright and director.
“A Night for Brenda Perryman” will be held from 6:30 p.m. on Friday, February 10 at Southfield High for Arts & Technology.
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