Heartbreaking news to share today ILOSM family. We are mourning the loss of Hydeia Broadbent, the remarkable AIDS activist, who became popular as a child when she appeared on “The Oprah Winfrey Show” to began spreading awareness about AIDS/HIV. She was just 39 years old. Hydeia’s story is one of resilience, determination, and hope, as she dedicated her life to raising awareness about HIV/AIDS. Today, we pay tribute to her incredible journey and the impact she made on countless lives.

Hydeia’s Early Life

Hydeia Broadbent was born with HIV and was abandoned as an infant at the University Medical Center of Southern Nevada in Las Vegas. She was soon adopted by Loren and Patricia Broadbent, who gave her a loving home. At the tender age of three, Hydeia was diagnosed with HIV, which later progressed to AIDS. Despite these challenges, she never let her condition define her.

Becoming an Activist

At just six years old, Hydeia started speaking out about her experience on national television programs, including “A Conversation with Magic Johnson” on Nickelodeon, “Oprah,” “20/20,” and “Good Morning America.” Her bravery and articulate storytelling captivated audiences, raising awareness about the realities of living with HIV/AIDS.

Making an Impact

Hydeia’s advocacy efforts extended far beyond television appearances. In 1996, she even addressed the Republican National Convention, boldly stating, “I am the future, and I have AIDS.” Her powerful words left an indelible mark on the hearts of many, challenging the stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS.

A Life Dedicated to Education and Awareness

Hydeia’s commitment to education and spreading hope was unwavering. She traveled the world as an international motivational speaker, representing the Magic Johnson Foundation and various AIDS activist organizations. Her mission was to educate people about HIV/AIDS, raising awareness and fighting discrimination.

Personal Struggles and Inspiring Others

Despite facing numerous challenges due to her condition, Hydeia remained determined to bring about change. She shared her story in publications such as the New York Times, People, Teen People, Essence, Ebony, and Sister 2 Sister. Her family even published a book entitled “You Get Past The Tears,” which shed light on their journey together.

Legacy and Remembering Hydeia

Hydeia Broadbent’s impact as an AIDS activist cannot be overstated. Her courageous spirit and unwavering dedication continue to inspire countless individuals worldwide. She taught us the importance of compassion, understanding, and the need to break down the barriers of stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS. Hydeia’s legacy lives on as we strive to continue the work she started.

Hydeia Broadbent, rest easy beautiful angel, after a job very well done here on earth.

Source

The post So Sad: Popular Former Child AIDS Activist, Hydeia Broadbent, Passes Away At 39, Details appeared first on I Love Old School Music.

ILOSM family how many of you remember Hydeia Broadbent? You may not remember her name, but you probably remember her face and her very brave, yet disheartening beginning set the stage for a bright future and now she’s an activist for many others who are living with the same battle she’s endured her entire life. As a newborn, Hydeia was abandoned by her biological parents and left at University Medical Center of Southern Nevada in Las Vegas. *Scroll down to see her recent interview*

A Lifelong Struggle:

But despite her ongoing battle with HIV, unfortunately, there are some people who believe she cannot relate to the struggle because she was born with it. However, she has a very different perspective of it all:

“People think because I was born with HIV my story does not apply to them. Well, this same disease I am living with is the same disease you can get if you don’t practice safe sex and know your HIV status and the HIV status of your sexual partner. I ask people to use my testimony as a warning of what you don’t want to go through.” Hydeia explained.

However, Hydeia was determined not to let the disease dictate how her life would turn out.

Defying the Odds:

At the young age of six, Hydeia became an activist and public speaker. Over the years, she has appeared on numerous talk shows including Oprah, 20/20, Good Morning America. The level of exposure she’s received has been tremendous. In addition to appearing on talk shows, she’s also been featured in prominent publications like New York Times, People, Essence, and Ebony magazines.

Most of us, Old Schoolers, remember watching in sorrow as the courageous 11-year-old Hydeia explained with precise clarity who she is and what her HIV status was at that time. America cried and clapped for that child, and now we’re rejoicing with her as we witness the incredible 39-year-old woman she is today…

Her Phase Of Depression & Resentment

In her interview on Oprah’s Where Are They Now, Hydeia teared up when recalling her tough teen years. She says that she became extremely depressed at the age of 15 when she was at the height of her career. The pressure of being a public figure at an age where most young people are trying to find who they are as individuals, was just too much for her to bear. Needless to say, Hydeia began to resent the fact that she was once the brave young AIDS/HIV activist.

However, things began to take a turn for the better. By the age of 16, Broadbent kept going with her activism and had become a notable speaker and HIV/AIDS activist who had the privilege of speaking at highly lauded educational institutions like Duke University, Spelman College, UCLA, and Howard University. She’s continue made it her mission to speak up and out, raising awareness about the importance of making sound decisions when it comes to avoiding “at-risk behaviors.” She is now considered a pioneer of African-American youth for having the courage to share her life story with the world in an effort to help others.

Her Dating Life

As far as her dating life, Hydeia made it clear that she is no different from her fellow thirty-something year olds. Sometimes it’s tough for her, but she does date, although she’s living the single life at the current moment, BUT that is by choice. Watch one of her more recent interviews below…

Overall, it is such a wonderful experience watching this young lady continue to defy the odds and flourish in life. We wish her many, many more years of success and cannot wait to see what’s in store for her and we salute her for her admirable work to help educate others.

The post The Brave Little Girl Who Was A ’90s AIDS/HIV Activist Is A Strong, Beautiful Woman Now appeared first on I Love Old School Music.

Jurnee Smollett’s Best Friend

By now, everyone probably knows who actress,  Jurnee Smollett (36), is. Since she was a child, she’s taken the film industry by storm. However, many people don’t know that her best friend is Hydeia Broadbent, who also became a public figure at a very young age.

As we previously reported, Hydeia’s the former child HIV/AIDS activist who beat the odds and learned to live with the virus. But not only is she living with it, she’s thriving. Today, at age 37, Hydeia is still an advocate for HIV awareness. Over the years, she’s touched the hearts of many. In the process, she also caught the attention of Jurnee.

At a time when Jurnee was rising to fame with her roles in films, like Eve’s Bayou, and hit sitcoms, like Full House, Hangin’ With Mr. Cooper, and On Our Own, she noticed a 6-year-old girl on television for a very different reason. The HIV-positive little girl was featured in a mock wedding, because she wanted to get married before dying. The heart-wrenching imagery touched Jurnee’s heart.

During an interview, the two ladies reflected on the series of events that led to the birth of their beautiful friendship. Jurnee revealed what it was like to see Hydeia on television when they were children:

“She was my first image of HIV/AIDS,” said Jurnee. “And I was like, ‘Wait, she looks like me.’ This is something that could happen to me or my siblings. And also she was just so raw; she exposed her heart. Even though I didn’t know her, I had this instant love for her.”

The television program altered Jurnee’s perspective of the virus, and she, too, decided that she would advocate for AIDS awareness. Then at the age of 13, Jurnee had the opportunity to present the Black AIDS Institute’s first Heroes in the Struggle Award, At the event, which took place in Los Angeles, CA, Jurnee finally got the chance to meet the one person who had impacted her life at a young age – Hydeia Broadbent.

Hydeia Broadbent’s Reaction To Meeting Jurnee

Hydeia recalled Jurnee’s reaction to meeting her. The moment was much more emotional than they both expected:

“I remember looking at her like, ‘Why is she crying? Who is this girl?’”

The ladies laughed as they recalled the day they met. Jurnee added:

“It was incredibly inspiring. She’d had such a mighty struggle and yet was so bold and audacious when the stigma was at an all-time high. It was ground zero.”

The memorable day was the start to a beautiful friend. Despite living more than 300 miles apart, Jurnee and Hydeia have kept in contact over the years and they’ve been there for each other through really difficult times:

“In high school, the kids were scared of me,” said Hydeia, “and Jurnee kept me centered—she poured life into me.”

Throughout the evolution of Jurnee’s career, Hydeia has also been by her side.

Now, they are both working together to continue their plight to raise awareness of HIV.

“We’ve spoken to students who thought you could get AIDS from a toilet, or from sleeping in the same bed, or from tears,” Jurnee said. “What allows this disease to spread is our silence. That, and women’s lack of self-worth, because even now we’re often the last to protect ourselves. We need to rethink that. We need to take our power in relationships to say, ‘I own my sexuality and my future.’”

In addition to their success with advocacy, Hydeia has also made progress with her condition. Now that AIDS treatments have improved drastically, Hydeia has also reaped the benefits of medical advancements:

“I still have complications,” said Hydeia. “But I went from taking, like, 100 pills a day to, now, only five.”

Jurnee Paid Homage To Hydeia Online

In an online birthday post that Jurnee Smollett posted for her friend Hydeia Broadbent, she referred to her as being ‘anointed’:

“Look at God. What a blessing you are to our lives. You have an anointing on your life, and it radiates through you. Consistently using your life to better the lives of others, you are a walking example of triumph in the face of adversity…having you as my best friend has shown me what walking in your calling looks like and I feel honored to call you my boo, my soul sister, the ying to my yang…I adore you.”

Beautiful indeed.

The post Jurnee Smollett And Famous AIDS Child Activist Are Best Friends With Very Emotional Past appeared first on I Love Old School Music.

Jurnee Smollett’s Best Friend

By now, everyone probably knows who actress,  Jurnee Smollett (34), is. Since she was a child, she’s taken the film industry by storm. However, many people don’t know that her best friend is Hydeia Broadbent, who also became a public figure at a very young age.

As we previously reported, Hydeia’s the former child HIV/AIDS activist who beat the odds and learned to live with the virus. But not only is she living with it, she’s thriving. Today, at age 36, Hydeia is still an advocate for HIV awareness. Over the years, she’s touched the hearts of many. In the process, she also caught the attention of Jurnee.

At a time when Jurnee was rising to fame with her roles in films, like Eve’s Bayou, and hit sitcoms, like Full House, Hangin’ With Mr. Cooper, and On Our Own, she noticed a 6-year-old girl on television for a very different reason. The HIV-positive little girl was featured in a mock wedding, because she wanted to get married before dying. The heart-wrenching imagery touched Jurnee’s heart.

During an interview, the two ladies reflected on the series of events that led to the birth of their beautiful friendship. Jurnee revealed what it was like to see Hydeia on television when they were children:

“She was my first image of HIV/AIDS,” said Jurnee. “And I was like, ‘Wait, she looks like me.’ This is something that could happen to me or my siblings. And also she was just so raw; she exposed her heart. Even though I didn’t know her, I had this instant love for her.”

The television program altered Jurnee’s perspective of the virus, and she, too, decided that she would advocate for AIDS awareness. Then at the age of 13, Jurnee had the opportunity to present the Black AIDS Institute’s first Heroes in the Struggle Award, At the event, which took place in Los Angeles, CA, Jurnee finally got the chance to meet the one person who had impacted her life at a young age – Hydeia Broadbent.

Hydeia Broadbent’s Reaction To Meeting Jurnee

Hydeia recalled Jurnee’s reaction to meeting her. The moment was much more emotional than they both expected:

“I remember looking at her like, ‘Why is she crying? Who is this girl?’”

The ladies laughed as they recalled the day they met. Jurnee added:

“It was incredibly inspiring. She’d had such a mighty struggle and yet was so bold and audacious when the stigma was at an all-time high. It was ground zero.”

The memorable day was the start to a beautiful friend. Despite living more than 300 miles apart, Jurnee and Hydeia have kept in contact over the years and they’ve been there for each other through really difficult times:

“In high school, the kids were scared of me,” said Hydeia, “and Jurnee kept me centered—she poured life into me.”

Throughout the evolution of Jurnee’s career, Hydeia has also been by her side.

Now, they are both working together to continue their plight to raise awareness of HIV.

“We’ve spoken to students who thought you could get AIDS from a toilet, or from sleeping in the same bed, or from tears,” Jurnee said. “What allows this disease to spread is our silence. That, and women’s lack of self-worth, because even now we’re often the last to protect ourselves. We need to rethink that. We need to take our power in relationships to say, ‘I own my sexuality and my future.’”

In addition to their success with advocacy, Hydeia has also made progress with her condition. Now that AIDS treatments have improved drastically, Hydeia has also reaped the benefits of medical advancements:

“I still have complications,” said Hydeia. “But I went from taking, like, 100 pills a day to, now, only five.”

Jurnee Paid Homage To Hydeia Online

In an online birthday post that Jurnee Smollett posted for her friend Hydeia Broadbent, she referred to her as being ‘anointed’:

“Look at God. What a blessing you are to our lives. You have an anointing on your life, and it radiates through you. Consistently using your life to better the lives of others, you are a walking example of triumph in the face of adversity…having you as my best friend has shown me what walking in your calling looks like and I feel honored to call you my boo, my soul sister, the ying to my yang…I adore you.”

Beautiful indeed.

The post Jurnee Smollett And Famous Child AIDS Activist Are Best Friends With Very Emotional Past appeared first on I Love Old School Music.

ILOSM family how many of you remember Hydeia Broadbent? You might not remember her name, but you probably remember her face and her very brave, yet disheartening beginning set the stage for a bright future and now she’s an activist for many others who are living with the same battle she’s endured her entire life. As a newborn, Hydeia was abandoned by her biological parents and left at University Medical Center of Southern Nevada in Las Vegas. *Scroll down to see her recent interview*

A Lifelong Struggle:

But despite her ongoing battle with HIV, unfortunately, there are some people who believe she cannot relate to the struggle because she was born with it. However, she has a very different perspective of it all:

“People think because I was born with HIV my story does not apply to them. Well, this same disease I am living with is the same disease you can get if you don’t practice safe sex and know your HIV status and the HIV status of your sexual partner. I ask people to use my testimony as a warning of what you don’t want to go through.” Hydeia explained.

However, Hydeia was determined not to let the disease dictate how her life would turn out.

Defying the Odds:

At the young age of six, Hydeia became an activist and public speaker. Over the nears, she has appeared on numerous talk shows including Oprah, 20/20, Good Morning America. The level of exposure she’s received has been tremendous. In addition to appearing on talk shows, she’s also been featured in prominent publications like New York Times, People, Essence, and Ebony magazines.

Most of us, Old Schoolers, remember watching in sorrow as the courageous 11 year old Hydeia explained with precise clarity who she is and what her HIV status was at that time. America cried and clapped for that child and now we’re rejoicing with her as we witness the incredible 36 year old woman she is now…

Her Phase Of Depression & Resentment

In her interview on Oprah’s Where Are They Now, Hydeia teared up when recalling her tough teen years. She says that she became extremely depressed at the age of 15 when she was at the height of her career. The pressure of being a public figure at an age where most young people are trying to find who they are as individuals, was just too much for her to bear. Needless to say, Hydeia began to resent the fact that she was once the brave young AIDS/HIV activist.

However, things began to take a turn for the better. By the age of 16, Broadbent kept going with her activism and had become a notable speaker and HIV/AIDS activist who had the privilege of speaking at highly lauded educational institutions like Duke University, Spelman College, UCLA, and Howard University. She’s continue made it her mission to speak up and out, raising awareness about the importance of making sound decisions when it comes to avoiding “at-risk behaviors.” She is now considered a pioneer of African-American youth for having the courage to share her life story with the world in an effort to help others.

Her Sister’s Status

Hydeia currently lives with her sister, Patricia, who was also born with the HIV virus and is doing well today. (See her sis’ in the video below)

Her Dating Life

As far as her dating life, Hydeia made it clear that she is no different from her fellow thirty-something year olds. Sometimes it’s tough for her, but she does date, although she’s living the single life at the current moment, BUT that is by choice. Watch one of her more recent interviews below…

Overall, it is such a wonderful experience watching this young lady continue to defy the odds and flourish in life. We wish her many, many more years of success and cannot wait to see what’s in store for her and we salute her for her admirable work to help educate others.

The post The Brave Little Girl Who Was A 90s AIDS/HIV Activist Is A Bold, Beautiful Woman Now appeared first on I Love Old School Music.

Her Best Friend

By now, everyone probably knows who actress,  Jurnee Smollett (32), is. Since she was a child, she’s taken the film industry by storm. However, many people don’t know that her best friend is Hydeia Broadbent, who also became a public figure at a very young age.

A while back, we shared Hydeia’s story with y’all. She’s the child HIV/AIDS activist who beat the odds and learned to live with the virus. But not only is she living, she’s thriving. Today, at age 34, Hydeia is still an advocate for HIV awareness. Over the years, she’s touched the hearts of many. In the process, she also caught the attention of Jurnee.

At a time when Jurnee was rising to fame with her roles in films, like Eve’s Bayou, and hit sitcoms, like Full House, Hangin’ With Mr. Cooper, and On Our Own, she noticed a 6-year-old girl on television for a very different reason. The HIV-positive little girl was featured in a mock wedding, because she wanted to get married before dying. The heart-wrenching imagery touched Jurnee’s heart.

During a recent interview, the two ladies reflected on the series of events that led to the birth of their beautiful friendship. Jurnee revealed what it was like to see Hydeia on television when they were children:

“She was my first image of HIV/AIDS,” said Jurnee. “And I was like, ‘Wait, she looks like me.’ This is something that could happen to me or my siblings. And also she was just so raw; she exposed her heart. Even though I didn’t know her, I had this instant love for her.”

The television program altered Jurnee’s perspective of the virus, and she, too, decided that she would advocate for AIDS awareness. Then at the age of 13, Jurnee had the opportunity to present the Black AIDS Institute’s first Heroes in the Struggle Award, At the event, which took place in Los Angeles, CA, Jurnee finally got the chance to meet the one person who had impacted her life at a young age – Hydeia Broadbent.

Hydeia’s Reaction To Meeting Jurnee

Hydeia recalled Jurnee’s reaction to meeting her. The moment was much more emotional than they both expected:

“I remember looking at her like, ‘Why is she crying? Who is this girl?’”

The ladies laughed as they recalled the day they met. Jurnee added:

“It was incredibly inspiring. She’d had such a mighty struggle and yet was so bold and audacious when the stigma was at an all-time high. It was ground zero.”

The memorable day was the start to a beautiful friend. Despite living more than 300 miles apart, Jurnee and Hydeia have kept in contact over the years and they’ve been there for each other through really difficult times:

“In high school, the kids were scared of me,” said Hydeia, “and Jurnee kept me centered—she poured life into me.”

Throughout the evolution of Jurnee’s career, Hydeia has also been by her side.

Now, they are both working together to continue their plight to raise awareness of HIV.

“We’ve spoken to students who thought you could get AIDS from a toilet, or from sleeping in the same bed, or from tears,” Jurnee said. “What allows this disease to spread is our silence. That, and women’s lack of self-worth, because even now we’re often the last to protect ourselves. We need to rethink that. We need to take our power in relationships to say, ‘I own my sexuality and my future.’”

In addition to their success with advocacy, Hydeia has also made progress with her condition. Now that AIDS treatments have improved drastically, Hydeia has also reaped the benefits of medical advancements:

“I still have complications,” said Hydeia. “But I went from taking, like, 100 pills a day to, now, only five.”

The post Jurnee Smollett & Famous Child AIDS Activist Are Best Friends With Very Emotional Past appeared first on I Love Old School Music.

ILOSM family how many of you remember Hydeia Broadbent? You might not remember her name, but you probably remember her face and her very brave, yet disheartening beginning set the stage for a bright future and now she’s an activist for many others who are living with the same battle she’s endured her entire life. As a newborn, Hydeia was abandoned by her biological parents and left at University Medical Center of Southern Nevada in Las Vegas. *Scroll down to see her recent interview*

A Lifelong Struggle:

But despite her ongoing battle with HIV, unfortunately, there are some people who believe she cannot relate to the struggle because she was born with it. However, she has a very different perspective of it all:

“People think because I was born with HIV my story does not apply to them. Well, this same disease I am living with is the same disease you can get if you don’t practice safe sex and know your HIV status and the HIV status of your sexual partner. I ask people to use my testimony as a warning of what you don’t want to go through.” Hydeia explained.

However, Hydeia was determined not to let the disease dictate how her life would turn out.

Defying the Odds:

https://www.instagram.com/p/BkAUOgmlSq3/

At the young age of six, Hydeia became an activist and public speaker. Over the nears, she has appeared on numerous talk shows including Oprah, 20/20, Good Morning America. The level of exposure she’s received has been tremendous. In addition to appearing on talk shows, she’s also been featured in prominent publications like New York Times, People, Essence, and Ebony magazines.

Most of us, Old Schoolers, remember watching in sorrow as the courageous 11 year old Hydeia explained with precise clarity who she is and what her HIV status was at that time. America cried and clapped for that child and now we’re rejoicing with her as we witness the incredible 34 year old woman she is now…

Her Phase Of Depression & Resentment

In her interview on Oprah’s Where Are They Now, Hydeia teared up when recalling her tough teen years. She says that she became extremely depressed at the age of 15 when she was at the height of her career. The pressure of being a public figure at an age where most young people are trying to find who they are as individuals, was just too much for her to bear. Needless to say, Hydeia began to resent the fact that she was once the brave young AIDS/HIV activist.

However, things began to take a turn for the better. By the age of 16, Broadbent kept going with her activism and had become a notable speaker and HIV/AIDS activist who had the privilege of speaking at highly lauded educational institutions like Duke University, Spelman, UCLA, and Howard University. She’s continue made it her mission to speak up and out, raising awareness about the importance of making sound decisions when it comes to avoiding “at-risk behaviors.” She is now considered a pioneer of African-American youth for having the courage to share her life story with the world in an effort to help others.

Her Sister’s Status

Hydeia currently lives with her sister, Patricia, who was also born with the HIV virus and is doing well today. (See her sis’ in the video below)

Her Dating Life

As far as her dating life, Hydeia made it clear that she is no different from her fellow thirty-something year olds. Sometimes it’s tough for her, but she does date, although she’s living the single life at the current moment, BUT that is by choice. Watch one of her most recent interviews below…

Overall, it is such a wonderful experience watching this young lady continue to defy the odds and flourish in life. We wish her many, many more years of success and cannot wait to see what’s in store for her and we salute her for her admirable work to help educate others.

The post The Brave Little Girl Who Was A 90s AIDS/HIV Activist Is A Beautiful Woman Now appeared first on I Love Old School Music.