Mark Takano: “A passionate educator, a change-maker, and a powerhouse of a woman, that is how the community of Riverside would…”

“A passionate educator, a change-maker, and a powerhouse of a woman, that is how the community of Riverside would describe my dear friend, Waudieur ``Woodie'' Rucker-Hughes. As a history teacher at John W. North High School and an administrator for the Riverside Unified School District, Woodie worked to demolish educational barriers and address the needs of all students. As an activist and leader for the Riverside branch of the NAACP, Woodie challenged injustice and moved our communities forward every single day. As a mother and a friend, she touched my life and the lives of many others with her kindness and her steadfast support and encouragement. Today, we remember Woodie, her legacy, and everything she stood for. I am going to leave you with Woodie's motto: Good, better, best. Never let them rest until the good becomes better and the better becomes best. In honor of Woodie, let's keep working to make this country, and the world, an even better place than she left it. ____________________”