Sterling Tucker facts for kids

Sterling Tucker (December 21, 1923 – July 14, 2019) was an important American leader. He worked for civil rights and was a politician. He lived in Washington, D.C.. He was the first person to lead the city council there. He also tried to become mayor of the city.

Early Life and Education

Sterling Tucker was born in Akron, Ohio. This was on December 21, 1923. He was one of eight children in his family. His dad worked for the city government.

He finished high school in 1942. Then he went to the University of Akron. He studied sociology and later psychology. He earned two degrees there. While in college, he met his wife, Alloyce.

When he was in college, Sterling worked at a restaurant. He saw that some people were not allowed to eat there. This was because of their race. This was against the law. He stood up for what was right. He was then fired from his job.

Public Service Career

After college, Tucker worked for the National Urban League. This group helps people get equal opportunities. He worked in Canton, Ohio, and New York City. In 1956, he moved to their Washington D.C. office.

In 1969, Sterling Tucker helped organize a big protest. It was called Solidarity Day. About 50,000 people came to Washington D.C. This event was part of the Poor People's Campaign. He worked with leaders like Reverend Ralph Abernathy and Coretta Scott King.

From 1969 to 1974, he was a leader on the first Council of the District of Columbia. This council was chosen by others. In 1974, he was elected to lead the council. This was the first time the city could elect its own leaders. He served for one term.

Tucker also led the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority. This group runs the public transportation system. In 1977, he tried to bring a Major League Baseball team to Washington, D.C.

In 1978, he ran for mayor of Washington, D.C. He ran against the current mayor, Walter Washington. He also ran against Marion Barry. Tucker did not win the election.

In 1979, President Jimmy Carter asked Tucker to join his team. He became an Assistant Secretary. He worked for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. He helped make sure everyone had fair housing. He served until President Carter's term ended.

In 1981, he started his own business. It was a consulting firm. In 1990, Tucker became the chairman of the American Diabetes Association.

Later Years and Passing

Sterling Tucker passed away on July 14, 2019. He was 95 years old. He died in Washington, D.C. His body was honored in the John A. Wilson Building.