NORTH BERGEN, NJ – (July 16, 2024). Charles Spencer, Executive Vice President Emeritus of the International Longshoremen’s Association’s South Atlantic and Gulf Coast District, and a legendary leader for the ILA at the Port of Jacksonville, Florida for decades, will receive the 2024 Benjamin L. Hooks “Keeper of the Flame” Award” from the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) at the organization’s 115th National Convention being held this week in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Award will be presented during a Labor Luncheon at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center beginning at 12:30 pm (Pacific Time).
“The officers and 85,000 members join with me in congratulating our Charles Spencer on receiving this prestigious award from the NAACP,” said Harold J. Daggett, International ILA President. “From 19-year-old longshoremen working on the docks of Jacksonville, Florida to a respected officer with the International and South Atlantic and Gulf Coast District, Charles Spencer has always distinguished himself as a fighter for ILA members, a champion of Civil Rights and Social Justice and a respected family man in his community.”
According to the NAACP, Charles Spencer receives the Benjamin L. Hooks “Keeper of the Flame’ Award for his “significant contributions to racial equality and commitment to fairness in the workplace.”
The organization added: “Your unwavering dedication to building a just and equitable society has not gone unnoticed! Congratulations.”
In addition to his stellar career with the ILA, Charles Spencer has been a powerful voice and held top leadership posts with the A. Philip Randolph Institute, including Florida State Chapter President and National Board of Directors.
Charles and his wife Elaine have six children and nine 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.
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