Executive Vice President Emeritus, ILA South Atlantic and Gulf Coast District
Charles F. Spencer was born the ninth child of James and Burnell Spencer and raised in the East 21st Street Community, one of the poorest areas in the City of Jacksonville. Interestingly, his home was within a few blocks of the Talleyrand waterfront and the longshoreman loading docks.
He was elected President of the International Longshoremen’s Association, Local 1408 in Jacksonville December 20,1984. He served in that capacity for 15 years before being elected Executive Vice President of the ILA South Atlantic and Gulf Coast District.
Today, Mr. Spencer serves the International Longshoremen’s Association in the capacity of International Vice President and Executive Vice President Emeritus of the South Atlantic and Gulf Coast District, I.L.A. He also serves as Vice President, Florida AFL-CIO. In addition, Mr. Spencer is a Founding Director of the Jacksonville Bank, President of Spencer’s Designer Florist, Gifts & Arrangements, Inc.
He is recognized nationally for his work as an accomplished labor and community leader. Mr. Spencer has a passion for helping people and lives out the motto…
“to do all you can… for as man as you can… while you can”
By Author Clara White, Jacksonville Community Leader.
Education:
Matthew W. Gilbert High School; Edward Waters College; and Florida Community College at Jacksonville.
Present Community and Civic Affiliations:
- Leadership Florida Alumni
- Edward Waters College- Board of Trustees
- A. Philip Randolph Institute, National Board of Directors
Past Community and Civic Affiliations:
- Jacksonville Airport Authority- Board of Directors
- Jacksonville Sports Development Authority – Chairman
- Jacksonville Boys and Girls Club – Board of Directors
- United Way of Northeast Florida – Board of Directors
- Jacksonville Urban League – Board of Directors
- Jacksonville NAACP – Board of Directors
- Chamber of Commerce – Board of Governors
Honors and Awards:
- Honorary Degree of Associate in Science, Florida Community College at Jacksonville, in recognition and appreciation for his commitment to education (only the 8th Honorary Degree conferred by the college in 25 years.)
- Recipient, “Man of the Year Award” presented by the Florida State Voter’s League.
- Recipient, “Distinguished Service Award” presented by Florida A&M University, Tallahassee, FL.
- Recipient, “Labor Civil Rights Award” presented by the Southern Christian Leadership Conference.
- Charles F. Spencer Day, February 28,1986, proclaimed by Mayor Jake Godbold, City of Jacksonville.
- Charles F. Spencer Day April 14,2011, proclaimed by Mayor John Peyton City of Jacksonville.
- Recipient, “Distinguished Service Award”, presented by National Coalition of Black Trade Unionists.
- Recipient, National Who’s Who Award in Business.
- Recipient, American Biographical Institute’s “Man of the Year” Award.
- Recipient, “Businessman of the Year Award” presented by Community Rehabilitation Center, Inc.
- Recipient, “Whitney M. Young Jr. Leadership Award” Presented by the Jacksonville National Urban League,’ who exemplifies the ideals of the inclusion partnership and equality set forth by the late national Urban League President”.
Personal:
Charles and his wife Elaine have 6 children and 9 grandchildren. He is a member of the Westside Church of Christ, where he serves as Director of Finance, Director of Special Activities, and a member of the Church’s Board of Directors. He also serves on the Board of Directors of Westside Ministries, Inc. Charles enjoys golf, bowling, easy listening jazz, contemporary gospel, and watching sports programs.