Acting
Venida Brodnax Browder
Born — Died
1953-09-18 — 2016-10-14
Place of birth
Newport News, Virginia
Known for
Acting
Credits
4 titles
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…
Known for
6.9The home for the world's boldest contemporary filmmakers, celebrating intriguing personal stories that spark conversation and inspire action.
POV
1988
7.2The story of a teenager wrongfully charged with theft and jailed at Riker's Island prison for over 1,000 days.
Time: The Kalief Browder Story
2017
NRKalief Browder’s story unfolds in full when his life, and that of his mother, Venida Brodnax Browder, are tragically derailed by years of malintent from the justice system. Venida’s poems serve as a guiding thread through this emotional journey, blending archival footage and contemporary political movements to honor the Browder family’s powerful legacy, both within their community and beyond.
For Venida, for Kalief
2025