About

ABOUT

My background and experience are a perfect fit to be a Minneapolis Park Board Commissioner.

I am deeply rooted in Minneapolis. Born, raised and lived in Minneapolis all my life. I was raised in South Minneapolis with my six brothers and sisters by our strong, resilient, and single mother, Jo Pearl Rucker. I have currently resided in North Minneapolis for 30 years. With my beautiful wife Melanie of 14 years, we have co-raised a blended family of 5 children, who are now independent and successful young adults. Now empty nester, we enjoy spending time and spoiling our four adorable grandkids.

I have always believed in giving back to my community. I was taught by my mother that everything that I had and was able to achieve was because someone before me fought and paved the way. "All that I am, I owe." That is why I have served as a Minneapolis Firefighter/EMT for the past 21 years.

My connection, respect, strong belief, and value in the importance of the Minneapolis Parks System started as a youth. I was able to play, learn, and develop within the Minneapolis Parks System. I played multiple sports and even my very first job was with the Minneapolis Parks as a Bike Patrol. The Minneapolis Park System provided me mentorship by strong male figures and development of life long friendships. That is why when I got older, I myself volunteered as a coach for Minneapolis Parks for 25+ years to be that strong male mentor for youth. This is also why I am running for Minneapolis Park Board Commissioner at Large to continue my serving and make sure today's youth and their families have the opportunities that I had in my life within the Minneapolis Park System.

Programs & Leadership

Charles Rucker has started and participated in many programs in the last 25+ years supporting our Minneapolis youth. Charles doesn't just talk the talk - he walks the walk.

PAL - (Police Activities/Athletic League) Coaching Football, Basketball & Track
Hospitality House - Coaching Track
AAU (Amateur Athletic Union) - Track Coach
USATF (USA Track & Field) - Track Coach
Minnesota Vikings Camp - Football Coach (received Community Service Award, had 19 years of service)
TC (Tyrone Carter) Elite Training Schools - Football Coach
EJ Henderson Foundation - Youth Football Camp

HS Coaches Hall of Fame Induction

TC Elite Football Tyrone Carter

TC, Melanie & Randy Moss

In addition to youth sports, for 20 years Charles has been promoting youth involvement through education, activism, mentorship and benevolence in fire fighting professional organizations. He also has proven leadership experience.

International Association of Black Professional FireFighters (IABPFF) -North Central Region
Minneapolis African American Professional Firefighter Association (MAAPFA) - President , Mpls chapter of the IABPFF North Central Region
Black Chief Officers Committee (BCOC)