Black History Today: Spencer Hill, leading with love, moving with the strength of water

Black History Today, created by Marcus Harden in honor of Black History Month, pays tribute to the living legacy of Black history in our community and beyond and recognizes the people among us who are boldly shaping the future.

“If there is no struggle, there is no progress.”

— Frederick Douglass

By Julian Lake

For my Uncle Spencer:

People talk often about grit and determination, but I have been thinking recently about what those ideas really mean. Things like working hard, helping others, and never backing down immediately come to mind.

Spencer Hill

And that's also when I think of you. For the entirety of my life, I have seen that you always give the world your personal best. Whether that be running a marathon, raising your son, or helping kids who need a mentor, through it all, you bring a sense of brightness and joy that is irreplaceable.

I recall a time last summer when you invited me to go on a run with you. I outran myself immediately and wanted to give up. I probably would have if not for you guiding me along and pacing me. You told me to stay calm and not overreact because once you reach the flow state, you'll never stop running.

Beyond the more traditional ideas of strength, you have always shown a knack for accepting and taking on change. I think that shows real strength, because you have to be sure of who you are and what you stand for. Maybe that's just the leader in you, but it still amazes me to this day. You’ve become a runner and a golfer, a father and a business owner (All in Good Company), a board member and a Washington resident — all in the past few years.

You talk about discipline and how it will help everything in life become more fluid and easier. Everyone sees this in you. I cannot express how impressive it was to watch you run that marathon two years ago. I know people say that things seem straight out of a movie sometimes, but this moment really was. It also felt like you were proving to us that anything was possible.

I know the same discipline has allowed you to do meaningful work as a mentor, rising up the ranks at Friends of the Children. And the same strength and vision have helped you start and maintain your own business doing work that pushes in the right direction.

The people around you absolutely feel the energy you give off. I honestly don't think I have laughed harder or worked harder with anyone else, and I am 100% certain that can be said with a lot of people in your life. This presence is rare and very magical. You inspire through action and presence and not just through words.

This same energy is obvious in your music (Cee Goods) and the way it draws people in. You make beats that people feel in their soul, and your music carries a part of you out into the world to be shared. That sounds gentle, but it is another example of strength.

For you to be your authentic self all the time is what sets you apart. In a world built against Black men, you have been a trailblazer your entire life. You have proved that with hard work and doing what you love, anything is possible. Helping others has been your life's work, and it has helped me gain a new sense of empathy for others.

The most important thing about you is your love for your family. You are always there for us. People can count on you and you deliver. You never complain and you look out for us. You speak for us when we need it. You are one of the pieces to our pie that we need to be able to function.

So as life goes on, one thing stays the same: the impact of you, Spencer. No matter what happens and how much has changed in our lives, I know for a fact that I can count on you. You are always working hard and trying to help others reach their goals. You are constant and passionate. It is the way to move forward that connects everything from memories, experiences, and relationships. You carry such a powerful light, Spencer, and you are a shining example for me of what it means to be living Black History Today. I love you!