Born: October 18, 1954
Place of Birth: Detroit, MI
Zodiac Sign: Libra
Brenda Lawrence (née Lulenar) is an American politician who served as the U.S. representative from Michigan's 14th congressional district from 2015 to 2023. A member of the Democratic Party, Lawrence served as mayor of Southfield, Michigan, from 2001 to 2015 and was the party's nominee for Oakland County executive in 2008 and for lieutenant governor in 2010. Her district covers most of eastern Detroit, including downtown, and stretches west to take in portions of Oakland County, including Farmington Hills, Pontiac, and Lawrence's home in Southfield.
Redrawn into the 12th district, Lawrence did not seek reelection in 2022 and retired from Congress upon her fourth term's expiration in 2023.
Lawrence grew up in Detroit's northeast side, on Lumpkin Street. Her grandparents raised her after her mother died when she was three years old. She attended local schools, graduating from Detroit's Pershing High School. She then earned her bachelor's degree in public administration from Central Michigan University.
Lawrence had a 30-year career with the United States Postal Service, advancing to work in human resources. In the early 1990s, as an active member of the Parent-Teacher Association at her children's school, she sought and earned a seat on the Southfield Public Schools Board of Education. She served as president, vice president, and secretary of the board.