Passionate, resilient and dedicated are just a few words to describe the life and work of Brenda L. Thompson. Ms. Thompson is a mother, grandmother, political activist and singer/songwriter from Robbins, IL She has three daughters, Syleena Johnson, Dr. Sylette DeBois, and Dr. Syleecia Thompson. As the first Black Police Commissioner in the United States appointed in 1987, she led the way for women to take on more roles within politics. Her role and dedication to this role was instrumental in helping the City of Harvey change for the better. She was a community advocate by participating in many social activities such as feeding the homeless, back to school drives, senior citizen initiatives and much more.
In her early years, she worked with her ex-husband, Blues singer, Syl Johnson on several recordings and albums. She made a significant contribution to many of his musical compilations through songwriting and background vocal production. As the ex-wife of Blues and R&B singer, Syl Johnson she was instrumental to writing, recording and producing some of his biggest hits. She is the mother of Grammy-Nominated R&B singer, talk show host of Sister Circle and Author, SyleenaJohnson. Both of her daughters, Dr. Sylette and Dr. Syleecia are successful entrepreneurs and professors in higher education. She has served in politics for more than 40 years in the City of Harvey. She has made appearances on R&B Divas and IyanlaVanzant’s Fix My Life. She has made several appearances on the hit TV One talk show, Sister Circle as a chef and cook on various episodes. Ms. Thompson is a featured celebrity mother on Celebrity Mama’s of Atlanta and is currently one of the featured Celebrity Mama’s for various speaking engagements, events and other activities.
Now retired, she is working on launching her own catering business, Mama Brenda’s, nutritious southern cuisine. She is also passionate about several charitable causes such as Autism, Pregnancy Loss and Heart Disease Prevention.
Jenleeíon Magazine 