BIOGRAPHY

Josephine Wade was born in Forest City, Arkansas, one of 13 children of George and
Margie Wade. Mr. Wade was hard working and motivated his family to be God-fearing
and responsible. Both parents believed in education and encouraged all of their offspring
to excel. Although born in poverty, the Wades were rich in spirit and initiative.

Josephine moved to Phoenix, Arizona in 1958, and after graduation from South Mountain
High School, she attended Arizona State University for two years. After marrying, three
beautiful and loving children were born; two daughters, Beverly and Lisa , and a son,
Victor.

At the age of 15 years, Josephine had a vision that she wanted to overcome poverty. She
decided that the way to accomplish that dream was to become a successful entrepreneur.
In pursuit of her dream, she went on to display the initiative instilled in her as a child.
She entered the business world at age 21 and quickly established herself as a hard worker
and has run her own businesses ever since. For 33 years, Josephine has been a
restaurateur and mortgage broker. In 1989, she and her present husband, Rupert Smith,
opened Capt.'s Hard Time Dining at 436-440 East 79th Street in Chicago. This popular
restaurant and banquet hall, which specializes in award-winning Soul, Cajun and
Continental Cuisine, brings "class act" dining to the heart of the Windy City's African-
American community.

An exceptional woman in so many ways, Josephine Wade will quickly tell you: "I always
put God first in my life, and my second love, of course, is my family, followed closely by
the church and the clergy." A great number of ministers have inspired her throughout her
career. Besides being a spiritual and emotional mentor to young and old alike, she serves
as a motivational speaker and is eagerly sought after by many of the area's high schools
where she is an advisory member to its Student Councils. She works closely with
troubled youth, encouraging them to leave behind their troubled lives and reach for a
brighter future.

Josephine is a loyal member of Carter Temple CME Church, which is pastored by the
Rev. Sylvester Williams, Sr. She sits on the Board of Directors of The Albertina Walker
Scholarship Foundation, and is a member of the Community Advisory Board of DuSable
High School and the Advisory Board of Harold Washington College's Hospitality
Program. Additionally, she is a member of the NAACP, Rainbow/PUSH Coalition, the
Urban League, the National Council of Negro Women, Inc. (NCNW), the American
Religious Connection (ARC) of Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church, the National
Prison Ministry and Women Empowered, among others.

Josephine Wade is known nationally for her dedication to the community-at-large. She is
a Christian woman who daily demonstrates in her relationships with community/civic
organizations, elected officials, the church and business community her loyalty to public
service and her unending dedication to humanity.

 

Email: www.hardtimedining@sbcglobal.net