Donald and Marian Spencer
Married in 1940 and often with their two boys in tow, Donald and Marian Spencer worked tirelessly for educational equity and equal rights for over a half–century.
Donald Spencer (1915-2010) was one of Cincinnati’s first African American realtors. He also became the first African American broker to serve as President of the Cincinnati Board of Realtors. Additionally, he was the first African American trustee of Ohio University (1974-1983). Mr. Spencer was passionate about Cincinnati Parks and worked to ensure all Cincinnatians had access to green spaces and to keep the Krohn Conservatory free for residents.
Marian Spencer (1920 –2019) was the first African American woman on the Cincinnati City Council. She also worked with the Board of Education to desegregate schools. Additionally, she chaired the Ohio Civil Rights Commission and was the first African American president of the Woman’s City Club. Moreover, Mrs. Spencer was the first female president of the Cincinnati NAACP chapter and a trustee of the University of Cincinnati.
Related Article: The History of African Americans in Cincinnati
After being banished from the front gate of Coney Island by a guard brandishing a gun on July 4, 1952, Marian Spencer filed a lawsuit and subsequently won the case, which desegregated the amusement park. Later, in 2004, she initiated litigation and won a lawsuit that aimed to restrain members of the Republican Party from implementing tactics that would discriminate against Black voters in Hamilton County.
Donal and Marian Spencers’ public lives deservedly earned the family plaudits and recognition, including being the first husband and wife to be recognized as Great Living Cincinnatians by the Cincinnati Chamber of Commerce.
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Donald and Marian Spencer graduated from the University of Cincinnati and earned honorary degrees from Ohio University. Eden Park features the Donald Spencer Overlook, and tributes to his wife include a downtown street, a building at their alma mater, and a statue at Smale Riverfront Park.
Donald Spencer, an accomplished jazz musician, taught at the Cincinnati Public Schools and was an activist. He was a member of Kappa Alpha Psi and trustee at the New Vision United Methodist Church. Marian Spencer was a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and The Links, Incorporated member.
Sources
Donald Andrew Spencer Sr. – Wikipedia
Donald and Marian Spencer: Lives of Love and Social Justice | LibLog (uc.edu)
Marian Spencer – Wikipedia
Cincinnati History Library and Archives – cincymuseum.org
About The First 28
The First 28, graciously sponsored by the Greater Cincinnati Foundation, celebrates Black Cincinnatians who were the first in their fields. Each day during Black History Month, we will celebrate athletes, artists, business leaders, civil rights activists, educators, physicians, and politicians.
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