Assistance League of Greater Cincinnati had the honor of presenting the Aspire Cincinnati award to Marian Alexander Spencer for her many contributions to the city of Cincinnati.
The presentation was made during a luncheon at the Hilton Netherland Plaza Hotel April 8.
The Rev. Damon Lynch Jr. introduced Spencer to the almost 200 guests attending the luncheon. Spencer was born in 1920 in Gallipolis, Ohio, and lived in the home of her grandfather, a freed slave from West Virginia. Spencer joined the NAACP when she was 13 and has been campaigning against injustice ever since. She graduated from the University of Cincinnati in 1942 and continued her struggles to bring about equality for all Cincinnatians. She became the first African American female to be elected to Cincinnati City Council, where she became vice mayor. She has continued to be an activist for seven decades, having earned many honors and awards. A street in downtown Cincinnati was named for her April 11, 2016.
Also honored at the luncheon was Walter C. Frank, who was presented with the Assistance League National Operation School Bell® Award. Frank has been a very strong supporter of Assistance League with advice, financial support and strong strategic planning expertise. He has more than 35 years of experience in the financial field as an advisor representative with Merrill Lynch
Kevin Jones, region president of Huntington Bank, was keynote speaker. His topic, “Doing the Right Thing,” was the perfect fit with the accomplishments of Spencer and also with the mission of Assistance League. Assistance League is committed to helping women in crisis and children in need.
For further information about the Assistance League, visit www.AssistanceLeagueCincinnati.org.
