User:JaneClawsten/Dr. Jennie Mae Rucker
Dr. Jennie Mae Rucker | |
|---|---|
| Born | December 29, 1922 |
| Died | September 7, 2018 (aged 95) Denver, Colorado |
| Occupation | Educator |
| Spouse | George Webster Rucker |
| Children | George Rucker |
Dr. Jennie Mae Rucker (1922 - 2018) was an educator in Denver, Colorado. Her advocacy for Black children earned her a place in the Blacks in Colorado Hall of Fame.
Biography[edit]
Jennie Mae Rucker was born in Texas in 1922. She had three siblings: Louis, Bertha, and Alma.[1]
She moved to Denver and grew up on the west side. She attended Fairvew Elementary School, Lake Middle School, and West High School.[1] She graduated from West in 1940.[2]
She attended the University of Denver for her bachelor's degree and her doctoral degree in library science.[1][3] She recieved her Ed.D. from the University of Northern Colorado.[4]
She married George Webster Rucker. He was the first Black pharmacy school graduate from the University of Colorado Boulder, and owned Rucker's Drug Store.[1] While her husband attended CU Boulder, they lived with a local family because the university did not allow Black students to live on campus.[2]
They had one son, George.[1]
Her first job was in Washington D.C. during World War II as a stenographer.[2]
Rucker was a secretary and substitute teacher at Denver Public Schools. [1] She was secretary at Barrett Elementary School for 10 years, then secretary at Whittier Elementary School for 6 years.[3]
She was the secretary of the resident participation education committee, part of the Denver Model City program.[3]
She was a founding faculty member at the Community College of Denver. She taught in the business and management division.[3] She also led special programs such as the cooperative education program which gave students job training while earning college credits.[5]
In 1971, she ran for the Denver Board of Education.[3] She was appointed to a Black Education Advisory Committee by the Denver Board of Education.[6]
She sang in the National Negro Opera Company and the Spiritual Projects Choir.[1]
Rucker and her husband owned a cabin at Winks Panorama, an African American mountain recreational facility during a time when it was dangerous for African Americans to travel in the US. She attended Camp Nizhoni as a child, before returning as an adult to stay in the Honeymoon Cabin frequently with her husband.[7] In 1953, the couple bought a cabin in Lincoln Hills.[4]
She was part of the board of the Colorado Historical Society.[1]
In 1981, she received the award for Outstanding Service to School and Community, from the DIstrict Parent Advisory Council, ESEA Title I, and Denver Public Schools.[8]
In 1983, she ran for a Counselor-at-Large seat on the Denver City Council. Her campaign focused on the needs of young adults and the elderly, as they had the greatest need.[9]
Rucker retired from the Community College of Denver, then became the librarian at the Denver Public Library Ford-Warren branch.[10]
In 2014, she was honored in the Salute to Excellence in Education as one of the Distinguished Educators of the Year.[11]
Death and legacy[edit]
Rucker died on September 7, 2018 in Denver, Colorado.[12]
She was honored by the Denver Public Library as an inductee to the Blacks in Colorado Hall of Fame.[13]
See also[edit]
References/Notes and references[edit]
- ^ a b c d e f g h "In Loving Memory: Dr. Jennie Mae Rucker". 5 Points News. October 2018.
- ^ a b c Griego, Tina (April 14, 2011). "Rich life for "poh" girl - WEST-SIDE STORIES". Denver Post.
- ^ a b c d e "Mrs. Rucker in May Race". Denver Post. April 29, 1971.
- ^ a b Shellenbarger, Melanie (2012). High Country Summers : The Early Second Homes of Colorado, 1880-1940. University of Arizona Press.
- ^ Orr, Lynnzy (January 12, 1983). "Spring classes at CCD". La Voz Hispana de Colorado.
- ^ Parmenter, Cindy (September 17, 1971). "Black Parents Ask Firmly for Improved Schools". Denver Post.
- ^ Simmons, Thomas; Simmons, R. Laurie. "Wink's Panorama" (PDF). National Historic Landmark Nomination. National Park Service.
- ^ "DPS Announces Awards for Outstanding Service". Denver Post. May 27, 1981.
- ^ McGraw, Pat (May 11, 1983). "At-Large Contest Heated". Denver Post.
- ^ Davidson, Joanne (May 17, 1994). "Urban League gala draws 775". Denver Post.
- ^ Davidson, Joanne (March 30, 2014). ""Salute to Excellence" puts black educators in the spotlight".
- ^ "Dr Jennie Mae Rucker". Find A Grave.
- ^ "Dr. Jennie Mae Rucker". Blacks in Colorado Hall of Fame. Denver Public Library.