C. Delores Tucker facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
C. Delores Tucker
|
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Secretary of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania | |
| In office January 20, 1971 – September 21, 1977 |
|
| Governor | Milton Shapp |
| Preceded by | Joseph Kelley |
| Succeeded by | Barton Fields |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Cynthia Delores Nottage
October 4, 1927 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States |
| Died | October 12, 2005 (aged 78) Norristown, Pennsylvania, United States |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouses |
William Tucker
(m. 1951–2005) |
| Alma mater | Temple University (attended) The Wharton School |
| Profession |
|
Cynthia Delores Tucker (born Nottage; October 4, 1927 – October 12, 2005) was an American politician and a champion for civil rights. She worked for many years to fight for equal rights for all people. Later in her life, she became well-known for speaking out against certain types of gangsta rap music.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Cynthia Delores Nottage was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on October 4, 1927. She was one of thirteen children. Her father was a minister from the Bahamas, and her mother was also from the Bahamas.
Tucker studied at Temple University and the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School of Business. She also received several special honorary degrees from different colleges. Because of these degrees, some people called her "Dr. C. Delores Tucker."
Her Career and Activism
C. Delores Tucker had a long and important career. She worked hard for civil rights and in politics.
Fighting for Civil Rights
Tucker was deeply involved in the Civil Rights Movement. In 1965, she marched with Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in the famous Selma to Montgomery marches. She also helped raise money for the NAACP, which is a group that works for civil rights.
In 1990, Tucker helped start a group called African-American Women for Reproductive Freedom. She also led the National Congress of Black Women, Inc. (NCBW) starting in 1992.
Tucker helped get more women and African Americans appointed to important government positions. She also worked to make Pennsylvania one of the first states to pass the Equal Rights Amendment. This amendment aimed to give equal rights to all people, no matter their gender. As the Chief of Elections in Pennsylvania, she helped make it easier for people to register to vote by mail. She also helped lower the voting age from 21 to 18.
Working in Politics
In 1971, Tucker made history. She became the first black woman to be a Secretary of State in any U.S. state. Milton Shapp, who was the Governor of Pennsylvania, appointed her as the Secretary of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. During her time in this role, she created the first Commission on the Status of Women. She left her position in 1977.
In 1991, Tucker started the Bethune-DuBois Institute, Inc. This organization helped young African Americans by offering scholarships and educational programs. She also published a magazine called Vital Issues: The Journal of African American Speeches.
Speaking Out Against Rap Music
In the last years of her life, C. Delores Tucker became well-known for criticizing certain rap and hip-hop songs. She was worried that some lyrics were disrespectful to women and could harm the African American community.
Some rappers mentioned her in their songs, but Tucker continued her efforts. She protested outside stores that sold rap music. She even bought shares in big companies like Sony and Time Warner. This allowed her to attend their meetings and speak out against hip-hop music directly to the company leaders.
Awards and Recognition
C. Delores Tucker received many honors for her work. People magazine named her one of 25 of the World's Most Intriguing People. She was also featured in George magazine for her fight against gangsta rap.
First Lady Hillary Clinton mentioned Tucker in her book It Takes A Village, recognizing Tucker's care for children. The National Women's Political Caucus and Redbook magazine even suggested she would be a great Ambassador to the United Nations.
For five years, from 1972 to 1977, Ebony magazine listed her among the 100 Most Influential Black Americans. She was also nominated for Woman of the Year by Ladies Home Journal in 1975 and 1976.
On April 25, 2006, a special historical marker was put up in Harrisburg to honor Tucker. The North Building next to the State Capitol Building was also renamed the Secretary C. Delores Tucker Building. The marker describes her as a civil rights leader and activist for women. It notes her work for the Equal Rights Amendment, voter registration, and lowering the voting age. It also mentions her efforts against music lyrics that she felt were harmful.
Personal Life and Death
In 1951, Cynthia Delores Nottage married William Tucker. He was a successful real estate agent in Philadelphia. Before her political career, Tucker herself worked in real estate and insurance sales. She did not have any children.
C. Delores Tucker passed away on October 12, 2005, at the age of 78, in Norristown, Pennsylvania. She is buried at West Laurel Hill Cemetery in Bala Cynwyd, Pennsylvania.
