(BALTIMORE – November 3, 2026) — Leona Johnson Tucker, affectionately known as “Lee,” will receive a Joe Manns Black Wall Street Award at LOYALTY, BMORENews.com’s 24th anniversary celebration, on December 3, 2026, from 6:30 to 9 p.m. at Shura.
An entrepreneur, artist, photographer, and dedicated community volunteer, Tucker has deep roots in Baltimore. Her story spans 35 years of service to the City of Baltimore, early childhood education, creativity, sisterhood, and an ongoing commitment to family.
She serves as president of the Dunbar Class of 1973, is a UMBC alumna, and is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta, Inc. A longtime supporter of the annual Ruth M. Kirk Family Fun Festival and other community initiatives, Tucker brings people together through service and entrepreneurship.
Below, she shares her story in her own words.
East Baltimore Roots
I was raised in the Eastside Baltimore community, in the Johns Hopkins area, where I learned early the importance of family, community, hard work, and giving back. My roots in East Baltimore have always been an important part of who I am and the work I continue to do.
Family & Caregiving
One of my greatest responsibilities and blessings is caring for my 93-year-old mother. Family has always been at the heart of my life, and being there for my mother is something I cherish deeply.
35 Years of Public Service
I proudly dedicated 35 years of service to the City of Baltimore. I spent 10 years with the Baltimore City Police Department and 25 years with the Baltimore City Fire Department. Serving my city gave me the opportunity to help protect, support, and serve the people and communities I love.
Education & Entrepreneurship
My family and I opened Gateway to Success Learning Center, a Pre-K school created to provide children with a strong educational foundation and a positive environment in which to learn and grow. Education has always been important to me because I believe investing in our children is investing in the future of our community.
Art & Community Expression
I have also used my creativity and artistic talents to celebrate Black culture and community. I painted a Black art wall mural at the Men’s Center, creating a visual representation of culture, history, pride, and inspiration.
I also created the logo for the Ruth Kirk Center, contributing my artistic talents to help represent an important community organization.
Mocha Mamas — Service, Sisterhood & Empowerment
I helped form Mocha Mamas, a group that has been providing approximately 15 years of community service, social connection, cultural enrichment, and empowerment. Through Mocha Mamas, we have created opportunities for women to come together, build relationships, celebrate our culture, support one another, and give back to the community.
My story is rooted in service, family, creativity, entrepreneurship, and community. From serving Baltimore through the Police and Fire Departments, to caring for my mother, helping educate young children, creating art, supporting community organizations, and empowering women, I have always believed that my life should be about more than myself.
I believe in leaving every place I touch a little better than I found it. My greatest accomplishment is not simply what I have done, but the people I have been able to encourage, serve, inspire, and uplift along the way.
This is just a part of my story—I hope to continue.
Join BMORENews.com as we celebrate Leona Johnson Tucker and her fellow honorees at LOYALTY.
December 3, 2026 | 6:30–9 p.m. | Shura
RSVP: Loyalty2026.eventbrite.com
