Gloria Hawkins (seated, dressed in black) was recognized and honored for her work in Higher Education and Diversity and Equity Awareness. She is surrounded by her fellow Deltas.

The 100 Black Men of Madison’s 7th Annual Backpacks for Success Appreciation Banquet Aug. 4 at CUNA Mutual Group.

The Backpacks for Success Appreciation Banquet raises awareness and funds to support the programs of the 100 Black Men of Madison, including the Backpacks for Success Picnic, which will take place on Aug. 22 at Demetral Park on Madison’s east side. The keynote speaker was Dr. Rebecca Blank, Chancellor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Shelia Stubbs hold her award honored her for her work in racial justice Aug. 4.
Shelia Stubbs hold her award honored her for her work in racial justice Aug. 4.

Dane County Supervisor Shelia Stubbs was recognized and honored for her work as a Dane County Supervisor and her quest for racial justice and work to eliminate racial disparities in Dane County.

“I was so honored because oftentimes I don’t think that community recognizes efforts of government and what we do,” Stubbs says. “To be embraced by the community like this is special. We have a racial disparities problem in Dane County — it’s the worst in the nation. But we’re moving forward and we’re making changes.”

They are changes that people aren’t comfortable with, Stubbs adds. “But I think they are necessary for people to embrace,” she says. “It was amazing to be recognized. I really want to thank my husband [Godfrey Stubbs], my mom [Linda Hoskins], and the County Board, my Deltas, and, of course [100 Black Men of Madison President]Dr. Floyd Rose.”

Gloria Hawkins was recognized and honored for her work in Higher Education and Diversity and Equity Awareness.

The 100 Black Men of Madison’s annual school backpack giveaway has become an extremely important and valuable part of the start of the school year, and as a contributing factor to the success of kids going to school. Over the past 18 years, they have provided over 25,000 backpacks filled with school supplies (at no charge) to area disadvantaged students. This event has become strongly affiliated with the “100” and is a key component of our brand in the community.