Journey Through
the Jungles
from Acres Homes to Vietnam
By Jakie Ray Spencer
A journey through segregation, poverty, racism, war…and hope from a man who was raised in one of the oldest Black communities in Houston, TX—Acres Homes. Available soon on Amazon
About the Author
Born January 30, 1948, Jakie Ray Spencer became the seventh child of Odessa and Dorsey Spencer. This story begins with Spencer facing the struggles of being a poor African American boy. As a child, Spencer ran through the woods and to school barefoot, where he would play with other barefoot children—never knowing that they were poor.Spencer credits the unconditional love of his mother (who taught him how to cook, sew, repair things, and maintain a household) with giving him the necessary life-skills he needed for adulthood. But, more importantly, she showed him how to love the Lord, Thy God, as well as other folks...even when that love was not reciprocated. "The love of Jesus was all the love I needed for most of my life, and to do unto others as I would have them do unto me. I was taught to share whatever I could with others who were less fortunate and to give without expecting anything in return," Spencer says.During his long life, Spencer has worked as a dishwasher, mechanic, truck driver, and real estate investor. He also served as president of Majic Reality Inc., Spencer’s Notions Inc., Bayou State Bank Inc., and is a military veteran who fought in Vietnam.
A Veteran
Jakie Ray Spencer is a Black military veteran who fought in Vietnam with Charlie company 5th and 12th, the 199th infantry brigade. He was given medals, but refused to accept them because he felt the soldiers who’d died on the battlefield deserved them more. Spencer writes that God let him witness and live through all the death and destruction, though he was not proud of what he’d have to do to survive in the jungles of Vietnam. Being an African American soldier, Spencer's struggles continued after coming home. Despite serving in Vietnam, he was denied basic rights as a human being and was beaten-down, intimidated, and abused by others because of the color of his skin. These are things that continue today.As a child growing up in Acres Homes from very humble beginnings, this was Spencer's journey. And this time, he invites his audience to travel along with him.
Where to Buy
"Jakie here...I am so delighted that you are interested in this story of my life that I embrace daily. This book is what I poured my heart and soul into and I truly desire that you enjoy reading it as much as I have by writing it." —Jakie Spencer
Bookmark this page to purchase Journey Through the Jungles as soon as it becomes available on Amazon!
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Gallery
Photos of the author, Jakie Spencer, his family, and community. Mr. Spencer would like to thank Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee for honoring the memory of his mother, Ms. Odessa Tignor Spencer, with her very own Proclamation for "outstanding activism" and her contribution to the development of the Acres Homes community. Because of her life work, July 14 will forever be known as Odessa Tignor Spencer Day!
