Sheletta Brundidge is an American children's author, an Emmy Award winning comedian, and a local activist.[1] Brundidge has focused on autism in her books, and is an advocate for autistic people and children. She is the author of Brandon Spots His Sign, which was inspired by her autistic son Brandon drawing inspiration from Let's Go Brandon signs around his neighborhood.[2]
Sheletta Brundidge | |
|---|---|
 Brundidge in a 2022 video promoting the COVID vaccine for Ramsey County, Minnesota | |
| Born | 1972 (age 51–52) |
| Occupation | |
| Education | University of Houston |
| Notable awards |
|
| Children | 4 |
| Website | |
| shelettamakesmelaugh | |
Personal life
editBrundidge grew up in Texas and earned her B.S. from the University of Houston in radio and television broadcasting.[3] Brundidge is the mother of four children, three of whom are on the autism spectrum. After seeking support services from Texas for her children, she was told the waiting list was "at least ten years", prompting her and her family to move out of Texas to Minnesota.[4]
Career
editBooks
editBrundidge published her first book, Cameron Goes to School, in April 2020. She cites her frustration over the lack of children's books focusing on autism in Black children as motivation in creating the book.[5]
In April 2021, Brundidge published Daniel Finds His Voice after watching her son, Daniel, respond well to learning through music.[6]
In April 2022, Brundidge published Brandon Spots His Sign after her son, Brandon, became excited over spotting Let's Go Brandon signs.[7] In response to her book, Brandon received a signed letter from President Biden, and also formed a friendship with Brandon Brown, whose name originated the phrase. Brown stated their meeting was a chance to "reclaim a phrase that he feels has gotten too nasty".[2]
Activism
editBrundidge cites her family's personal experience with autism as the driving force behind her advocacy. Brundidge has worked with Minnesota police to improve police encounters with non-verbal citizens and the NFL in support of sensory friendly restrooms in football stadiums. She has also collaborated with the Minnesota Department of Health on autism testing for families of color.[8]
Brundidge has advocated for public awareness on carbon monoxide detectors after losing five family members to carbon monoxide poisoning in 2020.[9]
Podcasting
editBrundidge runs a production company for her podcast Sheletta Makes Me Laugh.[1]
Published works
edit- Cameron Goes to School (2020; co-authored with Lily Coyle)
- Daniel Finds His Voice (2021; co-authored with Lily Coyle)
- Brandon Spots His Sign (2022; co-authored with Lily Coyle)
- A Walk to the Store (2022; co-authored with Judeah Reynolds)
- Andrew Does His Dance (2024; co-authored with Andrew James Brundidge)
Honors
editBrundidge was named as one of USA Today's women of the year in 2022, which recognizes women who have made a significant impact.[10][11]
In 2022, Brundidge was the Anthem Award for Leader of the Year in the Human and Civil Rights category.[12]
References
edit- ^ a b Turtinen, Melissa (14 March 2022). "WCCO-AM host Sheletta Brundidge among honorees for USA Today's Women of the Year". bringmethenews.com. Retrieved 5 September 2022.
- ^ a b Willingman, AJ (17 July 2022). "How an author, a NASCAR star and a young boy flipped 'Let's Go Brandon' on its head". CNN. Retrieved 13 September 2022.
- ^ Newman, Andrew (14 August 2009). "How I got my job: Sheletta Brundidge". Star Tribune. Retrieved 12 September 2022.
- ^ "Editorial: Texas' years-long Medicaid waiver wait lists fail all Texans". Houston Chronicle. 21 August 2022. Retrieved 13 September 2022.
- ^ Kopiecki, Madeline (August 2020). "Sheletta Brundidge's Journey From Autism Advocate to Author". Woodbury Magazine. Retrieved 17 September 2022.
- ^ Wohlrabe, Brooke (24 April 2021). "Minnesota autism advocate writes new book based on son's journey". Kare 11. Retrieved 17 September 2022.
- ^ "How the phrase 'Let's go Brandon' made a little boy with autism feel loved". TODAY.com. 2022-06-13. Retrieved 2024-09-27.
- ^ "Sheletta Brundidge named as one of USA Today's 'Women of the Year'". Minnesota Spokesman Recorder. 14 March 2022. Retrieved 17 September 2022.
- ^ "Woman Donates Dozens of CO Detectors After 5 Family Members Die of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning". Peoplemag. Retrieved 2024-09-27.
- ^ "Meet USA TODAY's Women of the Year". USA Today. 28 March 2022. Retrieved 5 September 2022.
- ^ Most, Becca (13 March 2022). "Activist, podcaster Sheletta Brundidge named Minnesota honoree of USA TODAY's Women of the Year". St. Cloud Times. Retrieved 5 September 2022.
- ^ "Honors For Sheletta Brundidge". Radio Ink. 16 February 2022. Retrieved 18 September 2022.