Broadbent was an HIV/AIDS activist that spent her entire life educating the public
Las Vegas, Nevada – Born in Las Vegas in 1984, Broadbent was abandoned in the hospital by her drug addicted mother. She later provided foster care and was adopted by Lori and Patricia Broadbent who later discovered that their newly adopted babygirl had HIV.
Broadbent spent her childhood speaking to kids and adults about living with HIV and how people with the disease are perceived. Throughout the years Broadbent made guest appearances on just about every talk show available during the 90s. Broadbent became a household name and a recognizable face within the HIV/AIDS activism community.
It is being reported that Broadbent died on Tuesday, February 2o. She was 39 years old.
Upon hearing of her passing, NBA legend Earvin “Magic” Johnson posted on Instagram a dedication to Broadbent. In 1992, Broadbent and Johnson hosted a Nickelodeon special called, “A Conversation with Magic.”
“I’m devastated to hear about the passing of an incredible young woman, activist and hero Hydeia Broadbent. In 1992, I did a Nickelodeon special called “A Conversation with Magic”, and 7-year-old Hydeia and I made an incredible impact. Hydeia changed the world with her bravery, speaking about how living with HIV affected her life since birth. She dedicated her life to activism and became a change agent in the HIV/AIDS fight. By speaking out at such a young age, she helped so many people, young and old, because she wasn’t afraid to share her story and allowed everyone to see that those living with HIV and AIDS were everyday people and should be treated with respect. Thanks to Hydeia, millions were educated, stigmas were broken, and attitudes about HIV/AIDs were changed. We will miss her powerful voice in this world. Cookie and I are praying for the Broadbent family and everyone that knew and loved Hydeia.
