Ms. Charlene Hardin

Director Charlene Hardin was born September 4, 1954, to the union of IsaacSr. and Narcissa Haskins in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She accepted Our Lord andSavior Jesus Christ in her life at a very early age and was baptized at Mt Zion Baptist Church on 10th and Brown in Milwaukee, WI. Director Hardin attended MPS Schools, however she received her GED after joining Job Corp. She was married to Mose Hardin in the fall of 1979, and he proceeded her in death. Director Hardin worked for various companies in the City of Milwaukee, e.g., VA Hospital, MPS and she was a driver for the City of Milwaukee school bus transportation system for children who attended MPS. However, the position that she held which was her highest achievement and most dear to her was when she was elected as one of the Directors for the Milwaukee Public School Board, 4th District. She diligently ran for this position by knocking on doors and introducing herself to many of the constituents in her district. They listened to her voice as she shared her vision for MPS Students. She truly believed and campaigned that “children are our future, no matter what class they are in.” Director Hardin also stated that children needed the appropriate tools from MPS teachers, principals, administrators and legislators to reach their highest potential and that change was needed. After walking many blocks and giving many speeches, the people voted for Director Hardin, and she victoriously beat the incumbent by a landslide. She held the Director position from 1998 to 2008. Director Hardin had strong beliefs and fought for change within the MPS system. She experienced push back as she shared her views on how to improve MPS policies and procedures and subsequently, received support from the principals, teachers and other prominent leaders in her district and the community. Due to her hard work for what she vehemently believed in; she received recognition from various organizations. CYD presented Director Hardin with the 27th Annual Image Award for ‘Excellent Service and Love for Youth” in 1977. In 2004 Director Hardin was recognized again by CYD “For Excellence in Community Service, Love of Youth and Practicing Love in Action.” In 2004, Director Hardin received a City of Milwaukee Proclamation from Mayor Tom Barrett and was recognized as the recipient of the 50th Anniversary Celebration Award of Brown vs Board of Education. In addition to receiving the Proclamation, Director Hardin received an award for “Excellence in Educational Service in Pursuit of Equality Through Education.” Director Hardin also co-founded a company with Richard Miller named CADE – Community Advocate for Democratic Environment. In addition, from 2000 to 2005 Director Hardin held a “Get to Know Your Neighbor/Back to School Event. Director Hardin along with her partners and sponsors supplied back to school book bags filled with notebooks, folders, and other supplies that students needed for school. Director Hardin also provided giveaways and raffled items which included, Computers, TVs, and DVD players and T-shirts at this event. In addition, community organizations set up informative booths, and there was a platform for community leaders and elected officials to speak on various topics. Some of the children were able to see and ride horses for the first time with the Black Cowboys of Milwaukee and there was plenty of food and refreshments for all. It was a well-planned, well-attended joyful event for everyone who attended. When Director Hardin was not fighting for quality education for MPS students and equality for all in the City of Milwaukee, she was spending precious time with her sons and grandchildren. Director Hardin also had an array of hobbies which included baking, crocheting, crafting, playing cards, and she was an avid reader. Director Hardin was well known and loved throughout the City of Milwaukee. She used her God given talents, fought hard and made a difference for the students at MPS. After 9 long months of battling cancer, Director Charlene Hardin succumbed to cancer on September 8, 2023. She was proceeded in death by her father, Isaac Haskins Sr., mother Narcissa Haskins, brothers, Robert William Haskins, Frank Albert Haskins and Isaac Haskins Jr., sister Flossie Earline Haskins, and a long-time dear friend, Richard Miller. Director Charlene Hardin leaves to cherish her beloved memory – her sister, Clarice (Victor-bruh-n-law) Smith, two sons, Koji Haskins and Excell (Sharron) Haskins, grandchildren, Koji Haskins, Jr., Meckenzie (Dwayne) Brown, Phillip Beal, Demetrius Beal, R’rionna Beal, Darius Haskins, Crystal Cole, great grandchildren, Kardiya Zoller, Jakkie Clayon, JaxVon Hudson, Nehemiah Beal-Saffold and Khoszen Haskins and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. I love 💕 you “Big Mama” Your Sister, Clarice "MOM" I know that time forever flows and its apart of life but if I could, I'd give you more... Steal a clock just to get some more... Share my heart for you to breathe twice as long. Just comeback home. The kids miss you. I miss you. I'll miss your hugs, I'll miss our fights. I'll miss the thirty calls you used to do at night. I'll miss your words, I'll miss your eyes. Our long store drives...With awkward silence. I'll miss the" hey sons", "good byes", and tears in private. I'll miss what was too come, and what could never be. I'll miss opportunities. With you. Forever yours until I leave this earth and we can join hands. From a child, to a boy, too a grown man. I've always loved you. In this life and every one after it. I'll miss you. Thank you mom, I love you...

Ms. Charlene Hardin

September 4, 1954 - September 8, 2023