[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 182 (Friday, November 3, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1053]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            HONORING THE LIFE AND WORKS OF SPENCER LANCASTER

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JOE COURTNEY

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, November 3, 2023

  Mr. COURTNEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to mourn the loss of a local 
civic champion and trailblazer, Spencer Lancaster, also known as 
``Uncle Buddy,'' of New London, Connecticut, Spencer was a true leader 
for the New London community. A role model and a mentor, Spencer always 
wanted to make a difference and he did, playing an active role in the 
civil rights movement throughout his life. Aged 95, Mr. Lancaster sadly 
but peacefully passed away on October 24th lovingly surrounded by his 
family.
  Born in March 1928 to Richard and Dorothy Conover Lancaster in New 
London, Connecticut, Spencer purposed his life toward strengthening his 
community. While still in high school, Spencer was recruited to build 
submarines by Electric Boat during World War II. After graduation, 
Spencer heeded our nation's call to action and served in the United 
States Army 98th Battalion Field Artillery, 82nd Airborne in Fort 
Bragg, NC. Spencer's time in the army served as a catalyst for his 
advocacy in civil rights as he found himself disconcerted when soldiers 
in identical uniform were separated into groups based on race.
  Upon the conclusion of the War, Spencer went back to school and 
attended Benedict College in Columbia, South Carolina where he met his 
wife and the love of his life, Pearlestine Williams. After marrying 
Pearlestine in September 1952, Spencer and his wife returned to his 
home in eastern Connecticut, starting a legacy which would mold 
generations to come.
  Once returned to New London after the war, Spencer wasted no time in 
picking up where he left off pursuing his passion to make an impact in 
the city, successfully championing conversations for the integration of 
formerly all-white public housing in New London. Spencer became active 
in local politics and, in 1960, became the first Black elected official 
in the city of New London where he served on the Board of Selectmen. 
Here, Spencer's devotion to bringing about positive change flourished. 
He served as an example for others in his community and continued to 
combat housing discrimination and create an atmosphere where New 
Londoners could function as equal citizens regardless of their race, 
ethnicity, or economic standing.
  In New London, a Black Heritage Trail plaque stands on Rodgers Street 
to mark where Spencer and Pearlestine bought their house in 1963, 
becoming the first Black homeowners on their street. Although a 
neighborhood petition was created to force them off the street, the 
Chief of Police, a neighbor to Spencer and Pearlestine, immediately 
rejected the petition. Spencer was rightfully recognized by the city of 
New London as a living legend on the city's Black Heritage Trail for 
his persistent advocacy on behalf of New London residents.
  As if his impressive works in local government were not enough, 
Spencer also served as the first Black Deputy Sheriff of New London and 
devoted his time to helping secure appointments for other Black men and 
women. Spencer's impressive dedication to public service was further 
reflected in his organization of protests to combat racial 
discrimination throughout Eastern Connecticut as Vice President of the 
New London Chapter of the NAACP. Spencer's wisdom was not limited to 
his advocacy work. He also had legendary sales skills that he showcased 
in his 60 years of work for Linder Dodge and Jeep where he became the 
top-ranked Dodge seller in New England and the fifth nationwide.
  Spencer was also a devout member of the Walls Clarke AME Zion Church 
in New London, the second oldest historically Black church in the city. 
Here, he served as Chairman of the Trustee Board and enjoyed singing in 
the Senior Choir.
  Mr. Speaker, the loss of Spencer leaves a deep void in Connecticut. 
Spencer was simply awe inspiring and will be an inspiring addition to 
eastern Connecticut's pantheon of revolutionaly change-makers. An 
advocate for making a difference where you can, Spencer's work has 
positively impacted and will continue to benefit members of our 
community and their families. Though we mourn this incredible loss, we 
can appreciate that Spencer's legacy and memory will live on through 
his family and the countless individuals who were influenced by him. 
Spencer is survived by his brother, Albert Lancaster, his sons Spencer 
Lancaster, Jr. and Robert Lancaster, his daughters Gilda Butler, 
Margaret Lancaster, and Tricia Lee, nine grandchildren, seven great 
grandchildren, and a large extended family. As we memorialize his 
service to our region, I ask my colleagues and this Chamber to join me 
in expressing our deepest respect for Spencer Lancaster's work and 
life.

                          ____________________