[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 147 (Tuesday, September 13, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E923]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    CELEBRATING MRS. HELEN B. RUCKER

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JIMMY PANETTA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 13, 2022

  Mr. PANETTA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the vibrant 
life of Mrs. Helen B. Rucker as we celebrate her 90th birthday. Mrs. 
Rucker is a pillar of the Monterey Peninsula and her dedication to 
social equality cements her legacy in the history of the Central Coast.
  Since 1964, Mrs. Rucker has been a civil rights activist, educator, 
and community leader in the city of Seaside. Through her varied roles 
as a member of the School Board and City Council, a leader of the 
Monterey County National Association for the Advancement of Colored 
People, and founder of the Seaside Voter Education Center, Mrs. 
Rucker's work has been a testament to her passion for the well-being of 
her community.
  Mrs. Rucker's efforts to combat social injustices dates back to her 
days as a librarian and teacher. Throughout her tenure as an educator, 
Mrs. Rucker provided opportunities for students to learn and grow. She 
and her husband, Mr. James Rucker, went on to open a library, where 
students receive free tutoring and a work environment free of 
distraction. After retiring in 1988, Mrs. Rucker served on the Seaside 
City Council and participated in major policy decisions regarding water 
management, transportation, and Fort Ord Military Base. Additionally, 
in 2005, Mrs. Rucker was elected to the Board of Trustees of the 
Monterey Peninsula Unified School District, where she took on 
leadership roles in programs like After School Tutoring and the 
California State University, Monterey Bay Service-Learning Institute.
  Mrs. Rucker's efforts to advance the rights and well-being of 
Monterey Peninsula residents has earned her consistent recognition and 
admiration from her community. In 2015, Mrs. Rucker was honored as the 
29th Assembly District Woman of the Year for ``enriching the lives of 
so many residents in the Monterey Bay Area through her selfless and 
tireless work to teach students, boost civic engagement, and 
participate in governance.'' In February of this year, in recognition 
of her lifelong community work and activism, Mrs. Rucker was given an 
honorary key to the city of Seaside by Mayor Ian Oglesby. In April, 
California State University, Monterey Bay revealed the University's 
Helen Rucker Center for Black Excellence. This center provides 
additional resources and support to students of the African diaspora.
  Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the House of Representatives to 
join me in recognizing Mrs. Helen B. Rucker in celebration of her 
life's work in education, civil rights, and community leadership. Mrs. 
Rucker will continue to serve as a model for selflessness and 
compassion for our community. It is therefore fitting and proper that 
we honor her today.

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