Happy Women’s History Month! Who are the women we celebrate during this month of gratitude for strong women who opened doors for so many other women? One is MARIAN SPENCER, Civil Rights Activist.

I had the honor last night to hear Marian Spencer speak at an event hosted by The Women’s Fund of The Greater Cincinnati Foundation. She personifies education, strength and beauty. Here’s a little about this inspiring, smart and amazing woman (from The Women’s Fund website):

How is history made? Who makes that history? To look at Marian Spencer you’d never guess that she boldly goes where others fear to tread. Now, in her 90s, Mrs. Spencer has a steely determination that belies her diminutive size.

A long-time civil rights activist, Mrs. Spencer is a Cincinnati icon well known for her tireless advocacy of civil rights and equal treatment of minorities. In 1952, she chaired the NAACP Legal Action vs. Coney Island, Cincinnati, Ohio. The Cincinnati History and Library Archives describes the genesis of this key desegregation action, “The case started when Spencer’s sons heard a radio ad inviting children to Coney Island to meet a local TV personality. She telephoned to ask if the invitation applied to all children and was assured that it did; however, when Spencer added, ‘We are Negroes,’ the Coney Island representative admitted the invitation did not extend to Negro children.” Spencer was dismissed from the entrance by an armed guard on the Fourth of July, 1952. Spencer filed suit and subsequently won the case, which desegregated Coney Island.

For decades, Marian and her husband, Donald, now deceased, were leaders of the efforts to desegregate Cincinnati schools, workplaces and many important community venues.  She has also fought to protect all citizens’ fundamental right to vote for the candidate of their choice. She became Cincinnati’s first African American woman elected to City Council and served as Vice Mayor.

I admit – I was in awe of Marian. At 91 and a half (she said that ‘half’ was important!) she still inspires women (and all of us) to stand up for our beliefs, to bravely work to make things better, and to care about our country, communities and neighbors. A few of the wonderful lessons she shared about her life and beliefs:

• She was raised in her grandfather’s home, a freed slave. He stressed the need for education and she still continues to challenge students to stay in school and to take responsibility for their lives. She also hasn’t missed voting in an election since she was allowed to vote at 21. She maintains that we need to be involved in what is going on in our country, states and cities.
• When asked ‘what kind of woman were you raised to be?‘ she responded: Strong, fair, educated, and that men and women are different but equal.
• I loved one of her closing remarks: that we should know that a happy life is possible. Aside from wanting to talk to God about why he took her husband, she’s a happy woman. She’s lived a full life where she’s been active in and seen things change.

We can learn so much from women who have made history and advancements for so many. Thanks Marian Spencer for your strength, leadership and passion. Hearing her was the perfect way to celebrate Women’s History Month.

Created specifically to improve the quality of life for women and girls, The Women’s Fund of The Greater Cincinnati Foundation provides grants that support local nonprofit organizations. The fund offers an opportunity for those interested in women’s issues and programs to be confident their charitable contributions will make an impact. Their 1000 Women Strong campaign is dedicated to supporting and creating opportunities for women and girls in Greater Cincinnati through grant-making, research and advocacy.

GIVE TO WOMEN’S FUNDS ACROSS THE COUNTRY DURING WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH

The Women’s Fund and so many other great organizations that support women and girls are being featured this month in a campaign to text WOMEN to 50555 to donate $10 to women’s funds from across the country. $10 adds up and can make a difference when we tell ten others – so don’t be shy!

(Here’s the lawyer’s fine print: $10 donation to Ms. Foundation for Women. Charges will appear on your wireless bill, or be deducted from your prepaid balance. All purchases must be authorized by account holder. Must be 18 years of age or have parental permission to participate. Message and data rates may apply. Text STOP to 50555 to STOP, text HELP to 50555 for HELP. Full terms: www.mGive.org/T.PrivacyPolicy. Additional fine print: People who make donations via text report healthier-looking skin, better fitting clothes and increased patience while stuck in traffic. And, it’s good karma. Their lawyers told them that they have to share that none of this is actually true. But they’re pretty sure on the karma part!)

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Tags: 1000 women, cincinnati foundation, Education, marian spencer, women's history month, womens foundation

This entry was posted on Friday, March 2nd, 2012 at 12:29 pm and is filed under Be a Better FRIEND, Girlfriend Advice and Reviews. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.