Reflections: Celebrating Black History Month – Arthur Tucker

You may find it hard to believe, but I was born here in Miami in 1945. I grew up right up the road from Jackson Memorial Hospital in the Liberty City community. Miami has changed drastically since my younger days, but its spirit has remained unaltered throughout the decades – regardless of the difficulties it has encountered.

I was born to Bahamian immigrants, who in the 1920s purchased their first home: a two bedroom, one bathroom, single-family home on Northwest 16th Avenue and 71st Street. My parents worked hard for our piece of the American dream. My father was a strict, religious man who believed in integrity, family, and hard work – a trifecta that fit perfectly with the tight-knit community I was born into.

I was an only child, and my parents made sure church and education were always a priority. I graduated from Miami Northwestern Senior High School in 1963, and shortly after enlisted in the United States Army. However, I do apologize if you were hoping to read more about my service. My time in the armed forces was challenging, and it’s a chapter of life I only share with my children and grandchildren. But, during my three years in the military, I saw a nation emerge from a dark pit of chaos and make strides towards its profound principle: all men are created equal.

After my discharge, I attended Miami-Dade Community College, where I received my degree in public administration. And it was while I was in college that I was blessed with a great gift – my daughter, Alicia. She is my only child, but blessed me with two grandchildren whom I love deeply.

I raised Alicia with the very same values my parents bestowed on me several decades ago, and in the same Liberty City home, as well.

Funny thing, in my own little circle of life, my granddaughter just graduated summa cum laude from the same high school that I did, and my grandson is a starter on the varsity football team. Go Bulls!

That’s the kind of tight-knit, deeply rooted community Liberty City is, and the reason I admirably looked up to Jackson growing up.

I started my career at Jackson in 1992. It is hard to believe it has been more than 24 years. I’ve seen the buildings rise and fall like the sun on the horizon, seen the medical miracles that save lives, and witnessed the strength of the community that believes in the mission that lifts the Jackson name to international excellence.

I pride myself in my job. To be part of a system with nearly a century of caring for every member of our community – regardless of color, race, or religion – is enriching. And although I look forward to my last six years at Jackson before I retire, I hold the Jackson mission close to my heart every beating second.

I share this with you, not just to pay respect to the achievements of our community, but rather to highlight the importance of our community.

I am a proud Liberty City resident, and a proud Jackson employee.

Arthur V. Tucker
Automotive Equipment Operator, Lead
Jackson Health System