We strengthen civic ties and create meaningful and fruitful connections for those who are here. We work with government, businesses, educational institutions, and community partners to ensure a welcoming environment that helps newcomers find success and opportunity in our region.
With hundreds of thousands of attendees each year, we create events and experiences that drive vibrancy in our region. Beyond what we produce, we’re deeply engaged and invested in growing the region’s cultural vibrancy by supporting arts, culture, sports, and entertainment assets and investments.
Through bold leadership, advocacy and partnerships with city, county, state and federal policy makers the Cincinnati Regional Chamber advances a pro-business and pro-development policy initiatives that stimulate and grow our regional economy.
We create member experiences, connections, and programming that meet the unique needs of businesses in our region. We’re a driver of regional collaboration, ensuring that our diverse civic and business communities are aligned, engaged, and have their voices heard.
Home » Marian Spencer
We strengthen civic ties and create meaningful and fruitful connections for those who are here. We work with government, businesses, educational institutions, and community partners to ensure a welcoming environment that helps newcomers find success and opportunity in our region.
Through bold leadership, advocacy and partnerships with city, county, state and federal policy makersthe Cincinnati Regional Chamber advances a pro-business and pro-development policy initiatives that stimulate and grow our regional economy.
With hundreds of thousands of attendees each year, we create events and experiences that drive vibrancy in our region. Beyond what we produce, we’re deeply engaged and invested in growing the region’s cultural vibrancy by supporting arts, culture, sports, and entertainment assets and investments.
We create member experiences, connections, and programming that meet the unique needs of businesses in our region. We’re a driver of regional collaboration, ensuring that our diverse civic and business communities are aligned, engaged, and have their voices heard.
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Celebrating the leadership, vision, tenacity, and love of community shared by the recipients of the Great Living Cincinnatian Award, presented annually by the Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber since 1967.
1920 – 2019
Marian Spencer is a fighter.
The granddaughter of a freed slave, Spencer was a champion of human rights from the time she and her twin sister Millie arrived on the campus of the University of Cincinnati as scholarship students in 1938.
While at UC, Spencer campaigned for the college prom to be open to all students. That was the start of her lifelong quest for equality for all Greater Cincinnatians.
“All people should be equal,” she said. “There should be equality, above everything. Given equal opportunity, we all arrive at the same place.”
A native of Gallipolis, Ohio, Spencer has been an activist for five decades. Known for her fierce determination, she took Coney Island management to court after being banished from the front gate by a guard brandishing a gun on the Fourth of July, 1952.
In addition to successfully integrating Coney Island and the YWCA, she was the first African-American elected to Cincinnati City Council (1983); the first and only woman elected president of the Cincinnati Chapter of the NAACP (1980-82); and the first African-American elected president of the Woman’s City Club (1972-73).
Her other career highlights include being named Enquirer Woman of the Year, 1972; a term as president of Cincinnati Chapter of Links Inc.; and being named a Lifetime Achiever by Applause! magazine.
Still active into her ’90s, Spencer co-chaired the YWCA’s $3.8-million fund-raising campaign.
“Without difficulties that people met and overcome, we are less strong,” Spencer said. “We’ve had our share.”
Recipients are selected from candidates by the Cincinnati Chamber’s senior council based on the following criteria: – Community service – Business and civic attainment on a local, state and national or international level – Leadership – Awareness of the needs of others – Distinctive accomplishments that have brought favorable attention to their community, institution or organization
The Cincinnati Regional Chamber is the premier business and civic organization dedicated to growing the vibrancy and economic prosperity of the Cincinnati region. To achieve its vision that Cincinnati is a growing, thriving region where everyone belongs, the Chamber seeks to grow our economy, grow our population, and grow our cultural vibrancy -- with the foundation of a strong business community -- to foster a welcoming environment for all.
Discover all a Cincinnati Chamber membership offers you, your business, and your team.