HIV/AIDS activist Hydeia Broadbent passed away at the age of 39 earlier this week. Broadbent was initially known for being part of America’s “first generation of children born HIV positive” in the late 1980s. She grew to become one of the most influential HIV/AIDs activists.
She appeared on many TV specials to speak about her diagnosis and raise awareness about HIV/AIDS. In 1992, she spoke on a Nickelodeon special about HIV and AIDS with Magic Johnson. Johnson had recently been diagnosed with HIV. On the special, Broadbent said through tears, “I just want people to know that we’re just normal people.”
Johnson responded, “You don’t have to cry, because we are normal people. OK? We are.”
In 1996, Broadbent, addressed the Republican National Convention at only 12 years old. She recited a poem and said, “I am the future, and I have AIDS. I can do anything I put my mind to. I am the next doctor. I am the next lawyer. I am the next Maya Angelou. I might even be the first woman president. … You can’t crush my dream. I am the future, and I have AIDS.”
In 2002, You Get Past the Tears: A Memoir of Love and Survival, a book she co-wrote with her mother, was published.
Though she was told she would not live passed the age of 5, Broadbent’s advocacy continued into her adult life. She was particularly committed to raising HIV/AIDS awareness, reducing stigma, encouraging testing, and promoting safe sex practices within Black communities. She received honors from Essence magazine, The Grio, Ebony, the American Red Cross and more.
Loren Broadbent, Hydeia’s father, posted on Facebook yesterday to announce her death.
“With great sadness, I must inform you all that our beloved friend, mentor and daughter Hydeia, passed away today after living with Aids since birth,” he wrote. “Despite facing numerous challenges throughout her life, Hydeia remained determined to spread hope and positivity through education around HiV/AIDS.”
