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A Journey in the Life of Tony J. Spencer One thing I’ve discovered over the years: “The more I learn, the more I realize I do not know.” New Eyes /New Vision is an American story of discovery that begins with the legacy of my great-great-grandfather, James Spencer, founder of a community in Anne Arundel County, Maryland, called Freetown. The story also acknowledges the challenges of my family, a testimony that has enhanced my learning about the various levels of family roots and values. This documentation of my family’s life, spanning five generations, leads to my personal experiences, my journey of discovery, and pivotal moments of my unfinished testimony. New Eyes / New Vision is also about my faith, without which, my life could have easily turned to one of disappointment and destruction; rather I was led by God to share my testimony with others. Who Is Tony J. Spencer? I am a product of the past and the present, as well as a bridge to the future. I believe I am a “torch-bearer” who realizes: “If the character of a community is measured by the manner in which the most challenged are valued, God’s love and compassion in us must demonstrate their worth as substantially treasured.” Born the sixth of eight children, the youngest boy of three brothers, one older sister and two younger sisters, I was raised in rural Anne Arundel County where my great-great-grandfather James Spencer pioneered a legacy; and my parents, Raymond and Rosie Spencer, planted the love of God in my heart. Within this atmosphere was a dream that began to shape my future: My ambition was simple: I wanted to sing when I grew up. As a kid and as a teenager, my love of music led me to mimic Little Anthony and the Imperials, the Shirelles, the Platters, Sam Cooke, Stevie Wonder, the Temptations, Marvin Gaye, and a host of others. I really did not perceive the importance of having my own dream until my elementary music teacher, Mr. “Thomas Witt” Williams, placed his hand on my shoulder one day and said, “I want you to play trumpet for me.” The impact of music would never leave me; neither would I allow it to wander too far from my path. Music was just the beginning for me. My journey has been filled with new experiences, new talents to nurture, surprises, challenges and victories that have given me the courage to develop as a “Change Agent.” |