Lawrence, Brenda L. (Brenda Lulenar), 1954-

Brenda Lulenar Lawrence (born October 18, 1954) is an American Democratic politician and member of the United States House of Representatives. Lawrence served as mayor of Southfield, Michigan, from 2001 to 2015. The unsuccessful Democratic nominee for Oakland County Executive in 2008 and for lieutenant governor in 2010, she was elected U.S. Representative for Michigan's 14th congressional district in 2014.

Born and raised in Detroit, Lawrence is an alumna of Pershing High School and earned her bachelor’s degree in Public Administration from Central Michigan University. Before she began her career in public service, the Congresswoman had a notable career with the U.S. Postal Service, starting as a letter carrier and later working in human resources management. In November of 2001, Lawrence was elected as Mayor of the City of Southfield. She was the first African American and the first woman to serve in that position. She previously served on the Southfield City Council, where she was elected President in 1999. Additionally, she sat on the Southfield Public School Board of Education where she served as President, Vice President, and Secretary.

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