In 2004, Veola had a vision. She wanted to start a program to fight youth illiteracy. So she founded the LUCKY Program. (Learning through an Unselfish Commitment to Kids and Youth), a non-profit organization.

The program provides free poetry and literature readings and/or workshops for children and youth, regardless of their race, creed, religion, economic status or color. It was started with no funding and very little personal money. The workshops encourage the children to express themselves through written art and remind them that rap and hip hop are a modern day spin on the ancient arts of writing and public speaking. By encouraging them to put their thoughts into written words, she challenges them to continue their education and battle the illiteracy that often plagues our community.

In addition to her community efforts, Veola is herself an internationally-known poet, author and lyricist. Her latest books are A Touch Of Quantum Reflections and Divinely Spoken. Veola is a member of the VinCI Society (Europe), the International High IQ Society, The Intellect-Fellowship and several other organizations.

Veola and her husband Ronald have two children, Leo and Sunshine, five grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

For her active participation in exposing our children and youth to more artistic expression, 107.3 JAMZ is proud to salute Veola Carter as a 2008 Upstate Black History Maker.