Sheletta Brundidge

Sheletta Brundidge is an American children's author, an Emmy Award winning comedian, and a local activist. 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.

Personal life

Brundidge grew up in Texas and earned her B.S. from the University of Houston in radio and television broadcasting. 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.

Career

Books

Brundidge 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.

In April 2021, Brundidge published Daniel Finds His Voice after watching her son, Daniel, respond well to learning through music.

In April 2022, Brundidge published Brandon Spots His Sign after her son, Brandon, became excited over spotting Let's Go Brandon signs. 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".

Brundidge has advocated for public awareness on carbon monoxide detectors after losing five family members to carbon monoxide poisoning in 2020.

Podcasting

Brundidge runs a production company for her podcast Sheletta Makes Me Laugh.

In 2022, Brundidge was the Anthem Award for Leader of the Year in the Human and Civil Rights category.