Journal of a Black Woman in Blue: Navigating Abuse, Addiction, Racism & Sobriety
Brenda Tate’s personal journal is a painfully honest account of the struggles she faced as a child and young woman, enduring rape, molestations, and abuse-traumas that led her on a path of self-destruction until she was able to face her demons head-on. She served forty years in Pittsburgh as a police officer while being heavily addicted to drugs and alcohol. This African-American woman’s story reflects how she navigated a racist and sexist police department while struggling with her addiction.
Relying on her strong faith and the support of AA, she achieved sobriety and rose in her career to protect presidents, kings and queens, and dignitaries such as Rosa Parks and the Dalai Lama. She is actively retired and remains a lifelong resident of Pittsburgh’s historic Hill District. She is a revered community leader and activist serving her city, state, and its residents, with a special emphasis on seniors.
Brenda Tate is living proof that you can triumph over even the most incredible odds and that you need not be defined by your mistakes. Her journey to recovery will stay with you for a long time. Writing this journal took tremendous courage, but she hopes that by exposing her own soul, her story would be a source of inspiration to others.
Reviews:
“I had no idea that Brenda’s incredible journey would end up taking me on such a bittersweet rollercoaster of nostalgic laughter, heart-wrenching tears and unbelievable hope before ever finishing her story. I’ve gained a new-found perspective and respect for all “Black Women in Blue.” Thank you, Brenda, you’re an amazing woman!“
Catherine McNeilly
Retired Pittsburgh Police Commander
Brenda Tate tells her story in an honest, direct, “straight, no chaser” style that hits home. As a television news reporter, I would often see Brenda on crime scenes and helping to protect, not just U.S. Presidents, but many from the front lines of history. I saw a strong, professional Black woman that made us all feel proud. Brenda’s journal does more than take us behind the scenes, it takes us into the heart of a woman who gives new meaning to the word fight. Fight for self, fight for community, fight for love. We all at times need a reason to keep finding our Brenda Tate. Brenda’s Journal of a Black Woman in Blue is just the reason we’ve been waiting for.
Lynn Hayes-Freeland
Reporter/Talk Show Host
It has been an honor to read Journal of a Black Woman in Blue.The people whom we meet are not fictional characters; they are very real people who have shaped Brenda’s life through joys and sorrows, adversity and good luck. The community of the Hill District in Pittsburgh is blessed to have Brenda as a member, advocate and shining example of a “good neighbor.” I am personally grateful to know Brenda and to have experienced the goodness of the woman she is.
Sister Susan Welsh, RSM, retired president and CEO of Pittsburgh Mercy, founding board member, and current board member of the McAuley Ministries Foundation.
The writing in this book is so very exact and intentional. As soon as I began reading it, it was difficult to stop. I could see her heart and the emotions of the experiences were so powerful. It was a journey indeed. With all that she went through; it confirmed that if one has a foundation of faith, it comes full circle. It also confirms that God will never leave nor forsake you. Brenda knew that. In deciding her life priorities, she kept your relationship with God, her relationship with other people and her relationship to herself. I am so Godly proud of her and honored she saw fit to allow me to witness this journey through her writings. May God continue to Bless and Keep You.
Ophelia “Cookie” Coleman
Chief of Police, Wilkinsburg Police Department