The Crusader Newspaper Group

Restaurateur and activist gets street named in her honor

On Saturday, March 4, 11:00 a.m., Mayor Rahm Emanuel, Congressman Bobby Rush, and several aldermen will be joined by the family of Josephine Wade and a host of business and community leaders to commemorate the designation of “Mother Josephine Wade Way” on the corner of 79th & Vernon. For over 50 years Josephine Wade has been a restaurateur, mortgage broker, civic leader and mother to all throughout the city of Chicago.

The community leaders of the Chatham, Chesterfield and Park Manor communities lobbied city officials for this street-naming honor. “Mrs. Wade has been an icon “woman/business activist” in the Park Manor community for more than a decade. Her community participation and involvement with Park Manor Neighbors has been phenomenal throughout the years and will continue into the future,” said Darlene Tribue, president, Park Manor Neighbors Community Council. Wade sits on a variety of corporate, community and faith-based Boards of Directors, and is also an active member of Tried Stone Baptist Church.

She is the owner of “Josephine’s Cooking restaurant, formally known as Captain Hard-Times,” which has been located in the Chatham community for more than 30 years. “Josephine Wade has been a pillar of stability and strength within our community,” said Rev. Dr. Marc Robertson, president, Chatham Avalon Park Community Council. In addition to the street renaming celebration, the community will celebrate Mother Wade’s upcoming birthday on March 8. Mother Wade has gone above and beyond by giving to others. “Josephine Wade has been a tremendous mentor to many leaders in this city and tireless advocate for economic development in the greater Chatham community,” said Eli Washington, chairman, Chesterfield Community Council.

The birthday celebration will begin promptly after the street dedication ceremony.

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