Marvelyn Brown, a native Tennessean, was diagnosed with HIV at the age of 19. Since then, she has captivated audiences across the United States, Bermuda, Canada, Jamaica, Mexico, the Virgin Islands, South Africa, Tanzania, and Rwanda with her compelling personal narrative. Ms. Brown has delivered speeches at numerous educational institutions, religious organizations, and conferences globally. Her autobiography, “The Naked Truth: Young, Beautiful, and (HIV) Positive,” was published by Amistad/HarperCollins in 2008.
Her humanitarian efforts have been recognized with an Emmy Award for Outstanding National PSA in 2007, as part of BET’s Rap It Up campaign. In 2009, she received the Do Something Award, and in 2010, she was inducted into The Heroes In The Struggle Photo Exhibit by The Magic Johnson Foundation and The Black AIDS Institute.
Brown’s influence extends beyond the stage, having appeared on various television programs, including CNN’s Black in America, Frontline’s ENDGAME, The Oprah Winfrey Show, America’s Next Top Model, America’s Best Dance Crew, and CBS’s The Early Show. Her story has been featured in prominent publications such as Newsweek, U.S. News and Report, Fortune 500, Cosmopolitan, Glamour, and ESSENCE magazine. Additionally, Brown has graced the covers of A&U, POZ, and The Ave.
Beyond her professional achievements, Ms. Brown is an avid fan of Wild Cherry Pepsi and has a slight addiction to Sour Patch Kids. In her leisure time, she enjoys traveling and indulging in her passion for food and different cultures.
