NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) — A longtime Norfolk educator and activist has died, according to the Urban League of Hampton Roads.
Cecelia “CeeCee” Tucker was a founding member of the Urban League of Hampton Roads, who announced her death on their website Tuesday.
During Black History Month, 10 On Your Side’s Kiahnna Patterson spoke with Tucker about her meeting with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. while studying at Virginia Union University.
“We all went up and got our bibles because we wanted him to sign his name,” Tucker said. “I have a bible signed by Martin Luther King, his wife, Coretta Scott King, and President of Virginia Union, who was Dr. Samuel DeWitt Proctor at the time. We were extremely proud to have this because he was such a famous person, especially Black, because in that, in those days, you didn’t see a lot of Blacks on TV.”
Tucker then went on to march on Washington during Martin Luther King’s famous “I Have a Dream” speech. Several years later, Tucker taught at the all-Black Booker T. Washington High School in Norfolk, where students pushed for integration. Tucker also pushed for changes at Old Dominion University.
The Urban League’s statement on Tucker’s passing can be read in full below:
It is with deep sorrow and profound respect that the Urban League of Hampton Roads acknowledges the passing of CeeCee Tucker, a founding member whose steadfast vision, leadership, and compassion helped shape the mission and impact of our organization from its earliest days.
CeeCee Tucker was more than a community advocate—she was a builder of institutions, a champion of justice, and a mentor to generations. Her legacy is etched in the very fabric of our region, through decades of selfless service and unwavering commitment to uplifting others.
Throughout her remarkable life, CeeCee Tucker served in leadership roles across a wide spectrum of civic, educational, and faith-based institutions. Her contributions include:
- Old Dominion University – where she advanced educational equity, student access, and community partnerships.
- Hunton YMCA – where she was a steadfast supporter of youth enrichment and wellness programs in underserved communities.
- Virginia Wesleyan University – where she fostered cross-institutional collaboration and championed liberal arts education.
- Bank Street Memorial Baptist Church – where her spiritual faith guided her community engagement and leadership in service.
CeeCee was a visionary force in Hampton Roads—her counsel was wise, her presence was empowering, and her legacy is lasting. She gave of herself freely and fully, always believing in the power of people to transform their communities. Her impact spans across generations, and her imprint will endure in the lives she touched and the institutions she strengthened.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to her family, friends, and the many organizations that were privileged to know her leadership.
May we continue to honor her by living out the values she embodied—service, equity, education, faith, and love for community.
Urban League of Hampton Roads
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