Marian Spencer facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Marian Spencer
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| Born |
Marian Regelia Alexander
June 28, 1920 Gallipolis, Ohio, U.S.
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| Died | July 9, 2019 (aged 99) |
| Alma mater | University of Cincinnati |
| Occupation | Politician |
| Spouse(s) | Donald Andrew Spencer Sr. |
| Children | 2 |
Marian Regelia Alexander Spencer (June 28, 1920 – July 9, 2019) was an important American politician and civil rights leader. She made history as the first African American woman elected to the Cincinnati City Council in Ohio. Marian Spencer was the granddaughter of a former slave. She worked hard to end unfair treatment and segregation, which meant keeping people of different races apart. She also became the first female president of the Cincinnati chapter of the NAACP.
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Early Life and Education
Marian Regelia Alexander was born on June 28, 1920, in Gallipolis, Ohio. Her family, including her twin sister Mildred and two brothers, lived in a home built by her grandfather, who had been a freed slave.
Marian joined the NAACP when she was just 13 years old. She graduated from Gallia Academy High School in 1938. She was a top student, sharing the highest honors with her sister.
After high school, Marian moved to Cincinnati. She attended the University of Cincinnati on a scholarship, along with her sister. While in college, she fought for all students to be able to attend the college prom, no matter their race. She earned her degree in English from the University of Cincinnati in 1942.
Fighting for Fairness: The Coney Island Lawsuit
In 1952, Marian Spencer's sons heard a radio ad for Coney Island, a local theme park. The ad invited all children to an event. When Marian called the park, she was told that Black people were not allowed.
On July 4, 1952, she was refused entry to the park. Marian Spencer decided to take action. She filed a lawsuit with the help of the NAACP. She won the case, which led to Coney Island becoming open to everyone, regardless of their race. This was a big step forward for equality.
A Lifetime of Civil Rights Work
Marian Spencer dedicated her life to helping her community and fighting for civil rights. She worked especially hard to desegregate public schools, meaning she wanted all children to learn together. She was an activist for over 70 years!
She was a dedicated member of the NAACP. She served on its Executive Board and led important committees. In 1981, Marian Spencer made history again. She became the first female president of the Cincinnati branch of the NAACP. She is still the only woman to have held this position.
Spencer also served on the University of Cincinnati's Board of Trustees. In 1983, she was the first African American woman elected to the Cincinnati City Council. She also served as Vice Mayor of Cincinnati.
Honors and Legacy
Marian Spencer received many awards for her important work. She was named a "Great Living Cincinnatian" in 1998. In 2006, the University of Cincinnati gave her an honorary doctorate degree.
In 2010, an elementary school in Cincinnati was renamed the Donald A. and Marian Spencer Education Center. In 2016, a street in Cincinnati was named "Marian Spencer Way." The University of Cincinnati also named a new residence hall "Marian Spencer Hall" in 2018.
On June 27, 2021, a statue of Marian Spencer was unveiled in Cincinnati. It is the first statue of a named woman in the city. The statue shows her strength and importance.
Marian Spencer once said, "All people should be equal. There should be equality, above everything." She believed that with equal chances, everyone can succeed. She passed away on July 9, 2019, at the age of 99. Her legacy continues to inspire people to fight for fairness and equality.
