Sadie Pearson, Linda Hoskins honored
By A. David Dahmer
Two outstanding Madison women — Madison Branch NAACP President Linda Hoskins and social activist Sadie Mae Pearson — were honored at the 8th annual Black Women’s Business Expo and Job Fair held at the Genesis Enterprise Center Nov. 2.
Two outstanding Madison women were honored at the 8th annual Black Women’s Business Expo and Job Fair held at the Genesis Enterprise Center Nov. 2.
The annual event focuses on issues that face Black women.
This year’s Black Women’s Business Expo and Job Fair placed an emphasis on topics including health, finance, and employment
“When we first started this, our idea was to give Black women a chance to network and talk about things that really impact their lives — money, physical and mental health, and jobs,” said Dr. Richard Harris, president and CEO of the Genesis Enterprise Center (GEC).
“This is our 8th annual event and we’ve placed more than 60 women in jobs.
Sponsors of the event included the Dane County Job Service, Madison Gas & Electric, State Farm Insurance, Larry Sain Insurance, Park Bank, UW Credit Union, Unity Health Insurance, and Thomas Law Office
The expo was a great place for Black women to network, brainstorm, and to discuss employment-related issues that are particularly relevant to their needs and interests. Harris told the crowd of ladies that he is planning another expo soon.
“We are going to have two Black Women’s Job Expos… the next one will be in February during Black History Month at End Time Ministries,” Harris told the ladies at the event.
Melly Mel’s catered the event providing delicious food including fried catfish and chicken, greens, cornbread, macaroni and cheese, and peach cobbler.
During lunchtime, there was a special awards presentation that honored Linda Hoskins, president of the Madison Branch of the NAACP, and Sadie Mae Pearson, a long-time South Madison social activist.
“One thing that I love about Linda Hoskins is that she is not afraid to speak out about any issue,” Harris said.
“As the president of the NAACP, she gets phone calls at the wee hours of the night.
She is always there.
She is such an important part of our community.”
Harris said that he always appreciated Pearson’s honesty.
“She stood with me whenever I got involved in situations fighting for civil rights,” Harris said.
“Sadie is not a fly-by-night leader in this community.
She will stick with you through thick and thin. She will speak her mind.”