Those We Lost — August 11

Honoring those we lost on August 11 — remembered for what they gave, and for what they left behind.

Samuel Harrison

Born Apr 15, 1818 — died Aug 11, 1900

Minister, abolitionist, Civil War chaplain, and advocate for equal military pay.

Harrison served as chaplain of the 54th Massachusetts Infantry, one of the Civil War’s most famous Black regiments. When offered less pay than white chaplains, he refused it and pressed the federal government until Black soldiers and officers received equal compensation.

Danielle Spencer

Full name: Danielle Spencer-Fields

Born Jun 24, 1965 — died Aug 11, 2025

Actress, veterinarian, author, and former child television star.

Spencer became widely known as Dee Thomas on What’s Happening!!, delivering one of 1970s television’s most memorable child performances. She later earned a veterinary degree and built a career caring for animals, turning early fame into a life of professional service and reinvention.