On Nov. 22 the Pearl Bailey Youth Program under the direction of Tucker at the Pearl Bailey Library in Newport News, VA— received the 2013 National Arts and Humanities Youth Program Award. Pearl Bailey Library was among 12 after-school or out-of-school time programs across the nation chosen out of 350 nominations and 50 finalists to receive this year’s award at the White House. Each winner will receive a $10,000 grant and technical support for the year.

“When we found out we were going to receive the award we were ecstatic,” said Tucker who is the senior family and youth services librarian at Pearl Bailey.

Tucker has worked with the library system since the mid-1970s. She worked for the Roanoke Public Library System until 2004 and then moved to the Pearl Bailey Library in 2008. After earning her degree in sociology from North Carolina A&T State University Tucker says she was “guided by God’s hands to work with young people.”

Her passion for helping others has contributed greatly to establishing the public library as a safe haven for youth and families in the area. Tucker explained that the southeast section of Newport News has the highest crime rate as well as the most devastating poverty level in the city.

“The programs and resources that we have inspire, encourage and empower youth to make positive choices both about their academic and personal success in life,” she said. “The kids call it a home away from home. It’s a major anchor in the community.”

The Pearl Bailey Youth Program has been highly effective in engaging the community. Through literacy programs to field trips, the team of three staff persons, with the support of the entire library, reach deep into the community to serve as many people as they can.

“I think what we do here is that we involve the youth at the ground level. When you're sitting in a board room and planning programs and/ or activities for young people, you must involve them in the planning process. If the young people are not involved in the planning process in the beginning then you will not be very successful,” Tucker said.

Along with Tucker, president of the Teen Advisory Committee for Pearl Bailey Library, Nasir Curry was also on hand to receive the award from Mrs. Obama.

As Tucker reflects on her work in the community she attributes a bulk of her give-back attitude to her father, an 85-year-old military veteran who still volunteers to this day.

"He taught us to walk the talk" in others words to do what you say you’re going to do," she said.

Tucker is also a recipient of the 2013 Coretta Scott King Virginia Hamilton Award for Lifetime Achievement.

By: Courtney J. Jackson