Madelyn M. Sanders blessed Women In History with her presence in 1996. She currently portrays Zelma Watson-George, Mary McLeod Bethune, Elizabeth Keckley, Mahalia Jackson, and Bessie Smith. Ms. Sanders finds “the other performers in the group are like family. The majority of the women I perform sang and it gives me an opportunity to sing. There’s a special pride I feel portraying such outstanding historical women.  What better way is there to educate children and adults on the accomplishments of many GREAT women?”  Her favorite characterization is of Mary McLeod Bethune. “I know of no other person who started with so little, worked so hard, and gave so much to contribute to the education of African American children.

Ms. Sanders continues her education with on-going classes at a local college. She has worked for over 32 years at Parker Hannifin and currently supervises the Product Information Center. She is also Director of an East Cleveland School System Mentoring Program, serves on Y.O.U. Youth Committee, is a member of the Booster Club for Cleveland Youth Muny Football League “SIMS RAIDERS,” serves as Toastmaster with Parker Speakeasies, is a Cleveland sports fan and a Cleveland Brown’s fanatic! She considers herself a “Professional Sports Spectator.” Ms. Sanders is the mother of 3 and grandmother of twelve. In her spare time she enjoys singing with the Good Shepherd Baptist Church Adult Choir.

Memorable Women in History Moments

“When I performed as Bessie Smith at Lakeland Community College, I concentrated on a relatively shy young man in the front row and incorporated him into my performance with much teasing and flirting which was Bessie Smith’s way. Several members of the audience stopped him after the program and inquired as to whether he was a part of the performance. Upon seeing me later in the evening he informed me that I had made a one-night star out of him and he was really enjoying the attention.”

Madelyn Sanders as Mary McLeod Bethune

Zelma George portrayed by Madelyn Sanders

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