After unsuccessful bids for the Alabama State Board of Education and the Alabama House of Representatives, Brown began working and founding a series of nonprofit organizations centered around disaster relief, Black voting rights, and funding grassroots community development initiatives.

[6][7] Brown was fascinated with power from a young age: She recalls frequently asking her mother who the owner or leader was each time they entered a restaurant, store or church.

[3][5] Brown attended Selma High School[4] and had early aspirations of becoming a jazz singer, an interest that she continually incorporates into her work.

[3] In 1998, Brown ran for the Democratic nomination for the Alabama State Board of Education's fifth district seat.

[5] In 2002, Brown ran for the Alabama House of Representatives District 67 seat against fellow Democrat Yusuf Salaam.

[15] In 2010, Brown also co-founded and served as the first Executive Director of the Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors’ Gulf Coast Fund for Community Renewal and Ecological Health.

[20] She emphasizes the importance of supporting Black women and girls from a young age, citing the intersection of racism and sexism they experience.