Floor SpeechCeremonial2026-06-30

HONORING LIFE AND LEGACY OF SPENCER LEAK, JR.

Civil Rights

Context

On 2026-06-30, Representative Robin L. Kelly (D-IL-2) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING LIFE AND LEGACY OF SPENCER LEAK, JR." in the House.

Full Text

HONORING LIFE AND LEGACY OF SPENCER LEAK, JR.

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 109 (Tuesday, June 30, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 109 (Tuesday, June 30, 2026)] [House] [Page H4323] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING LIFE AND LEGACY OF SPENCER LEAK, JR. (Ms. Kelly of Illinois was recognized to address the House for 5 minutes.) Ms. KELLY of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, Representative Jackson is going to stand with me, but this is not his 5 minutes. He is just standing with me. I rise today to honor the life and extraordinary legacy of Spencer Leak, Jr., a devoted father, husband, son, brother, and faithful community leader whose service left a lasting mark on the Chicagoland area. Most of all, I am honored to have called him a friend and a constituent. Spencer dedicated his life to serving the people of the Chicagoland area. He carried forward his family's proud legacy and business, Leak & Sons Funeral Home. He pursued his education with purpose, graduating from Southern Illinois University with a degree in mortuary and funeral sciences and becoming a licensed director in 1989. However, his calling started long before that. Spencer began working at the family business at just 12 years old, answering phones and learning his trade. He rose to become vice president in 1993, carrying on a tradition of faithful, kind, and honest service to families in their most difficult moments. As a third-generation funeral director, Spencer expanded the vision of his grandfather, Reverend Andrew Leak, so that Black people living in the Chicagoland area could lay their loved ones to rest with the dignity, respect, and care they deserved. Mr. Speaker, Spencer's work reached far beyond his profession. He was an advocate for civil rights and justice, a trusted friend to leaders across our community, and a generous supporter of the causes that lifted up those in need. His commitment to service and to positivity never wavered. He mentored young Black men, partnered with organizations to empower residents, and stood as a true pillar to his community. Spencer was a champion of the small, humble acts of kindness that so often go unseen. His devotion to a more just world was never in question, and through it all, he grew the Leak family legacy of making the Chicagoland community better and more loving. His love touched many. His generosity ran deep, and his service knew no bounds. Above all, Spencer was an amazing husband, father, a kind son, a supportive brother, and a truly wonderful human being. His passing is deeply felt by his beloved wife, Dr. Donna Leak, who is in the gallery; his children, Spencer Leak III and Emma Leak; his parents, Spencer Leak, Sr., and Henrietta Leak; his siblings, Stephen and Stacy; his extended family; and the many friends and community members that mourn his loss. On a personal level, I experienced Spencer's kindness on many levels, but most personal was when he handled my husband's funeral services almost 3 years ago. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the extraordinary legacy of Spencer Leak, Jr., and extending my deepest condolences to his family, friends, and all who were blessed to know him. May his memory be a blessing. Rest in peace and power, my friend. ____________________

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HONORING LIFE AND LEGACY OF SPENCER LEAK, JR. Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 109 (Tuesday, June 30, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 109 (Tuesday, June 30, 2026)] [House] [Page H4323] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING LIFE AND LEGACY OF SPENCER LEAK, JR. (Ms. Kelly of Illinois was recognized to address the House for 5 minutes.) Ms. KELLY of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, Representative Jackson is going to stand with me, but this is not his 5 minutes. He is just standing with me. I rise today to honor the life and extraordinary legacy of Spencer Leak, Jr., a devoted father, husband, son, brother, and faithful community leader whose service left a lasting mark on the Chicagoland area. Most of all, I am honored to have called him a friend and a constituent. Spencer dedicated his life to serving the people of the Chicagoland area. He carried forward his family's proud legacy and business, Leak & Sons Funeral Home. He pursued his education with purpose, graduating from Southern Illinois University with a degree in mortuary and funeral sciences and becoming a licensed director in 1989. However, his calling started long before that. Spencer began working at the family business at just 12 years old, answering phones and learning his trade. He rose to become vice president in 1993, carrying on a tradition of faithful, kind, and honest service to families in their most difficult moments. As a third-generation funeral director, Spencer expanded the vision of his grandfather, Reverend Andrew Leak, so that Black people living in the Chicagoland area could lay their loved ones to rest with the dignity, respect, and care they deserved. Mr. Speaker, Spencer's work reached far beyond his profession. He was an advocate for civil rights and justice, a trusted friend to leaders across our community, and a generous supporter of the causes that lifted up those in need. His commitment to service and to positivity never wavered. He mentored young Black men, partnered with organizations to empower residents, and stood as a true pillar to his community. Spencer was a champion of the small, humble acts of kindness that so often go unseen. His devotion to a more just world was never in question, and through it all, he grew the Leak family legacy of making the Chicagoland community better and more loving. His love touched many. His generosity ran deep, and his service knew no bounds. Above all, Spencer was an amazing husband, father, a kind son, a supportive brother, and a truly wonderful human being. His passing is deeply felt by his beloved wife, Dr. Donna Leak, who is in the gallery; his children, Spencer Leak III and Emma Leak; his parents, Spencer Leak, Sr., and Henrietta Leak; his siblings, Stephen and Stacy; his extended family; and the many friends and community members that mourn his loss. On a personal level, I experienced Spencer's kindness on many levels, but most personal was when he handled my husband's funeral services almost 3 years ago. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the extraordinary legacy of Spencer Leak, Jr., and extending my deepest condolences to his family, friends, and all who were blessed to know him. May his memory be a blessing. Rest in peace and power, my friend. ____________________