Donald Kofi Tucker

Who was Donald Kofi Tucker?

Donald Kofi Tucker was a representative to the New Jersey General Assembly from 1994, serving the 28th legislative district until his death. Despite his failing health — he suffered from diabetes, survived a stroke, and had a pacemaker implanted — he remained in his seat in the Assembly and on the Newark City Council until his death.

He was the Assembly's Speaker Pro Tempore from 2002 until his death. Assemblyman Tucker served on the Assembly's Commerce and Economic Development Committee and on the Joint Committee on the Public Schools.

Tucker served as a Councilman-at-Large in Newark and served on the Newark City Council from 1974 and on the Passaic Valley Sewerage Commission from 1985. He served in the United States Air Force from 1955-1959 as an Airman Second Class.

Tucker was a member of the Essex County chapter of the Congress of Racial Equality and was involved in efforts to desegregate Newark's public housing projects. He founded a tenants council and served as chairman of the New Jersey Black Issues Convention.

Donald Kofi Tucker received a B.A. degree from Goddard College in Urban Planning.