06/14/2026
Brenda J. Hollingsworth-Marley was born and raised in Salt Lake City, Utah. Brenda Marley formerly known throughout the state of New Mexico as Mrs. Pickett grew up having a love of storytelling and teaching which was demonstrated through her creative and imaginary play.
Ms. Marley aka The Story SongBird Woman is the mother of 5 biological children (to include a set of fraternal twins.) This presenter & performer also has 4 living grandchildren and was the foster mother of approximately 25 foster children in New Mexico.
An example of Ms. Marley’s passions include: education, literacy, cultural competency, environmental and social justice. Brenda Marley moved to New Mexico with her family in 1991 and has been engaged in the progressive enrichment of her community for over 28 years. Over the years, Ms. Marley participated with the Southwest Organizing Project aka “SWOP” with Richard Moore and other environmental justice leaders. As a performing artist, the Story Songbird Woman is a talented: storyteller who also uses more than 50 puppets to assist her as selected with her storytelling as she shares stories from all over the world. Brenda is a passionate vocalist, dancer, choreographer, drummer, poet, writer, mixed-media artist, actor, and she received a Black Belt in the Martial Arts in Karate Kung-Fu, and Tai Chi Chuan. As a member of the National Council of Negro Women, a long-time member of the Storytellers of New Mexico and a former Americorp employee, Ms. Marley has remained in service to her community for over 45 years.
Ladies, Gentleman, Friends and Family, Please Welcome to this Platform (or to the stage) Ms. Brenda J. Hollingsworth-Marley.