Founded By Spann Family,
We started on our mission as a family, in 2002 with our first annual scholarship luncheon in honor of the late, Rev. James W. Spann II.
Since then we've given out thousands of dollars in scholarships, hosted many awesome events and inspired a multitude of youth here in Milwaukee, WI.
In Honor of,
Rev. James W. Spann II
1934 - 2001
The Life of
Rev. James W. Spann II.
James Spann II. was a community-driven, college-educated, Christian man who touched the lives of many in Milwaukee. He traveled to many places around the world including France, Argentina, and Australia preaching the good news of Jesus Christ. During the 1960’s Rev. Spann promoted peace, marched in support of civil rights and equal housing opportunities for Black Americans. He was also a businessman.
In 1969, he opened his first gas station, in Milwaukee on 13th and Galena Streets. At the time his "Spandangle" Gas Station was the only minority-owned gas station in the state of Wisconsin and provided petroleum products for many universities and businesses around Wisconsin.
He was a member of Tabernacle Community Baptist Church and the pastor of Corinth Missionary Baptist Church. He was married to Dr. Wilma Spann for over forty years and from that union came, eight children. He and his wife stressed to their children the importance of education, being community-minded and having God as the center of their lives.
He served on many advisory boards and was a member of several community organizations including the Lions Club, the Wisconsin General Baptist State Convention and President of the North Division High School PTO.
His passing left a huge void at his church and in the community. The Rev. James W. Spann II Foundation was formed in January 2001. His wife and family decided to continue his ministry through scholarships. The Rev. James W. Spann II Scholarship is awarded annually to deserving minority high school graduates. This one-time, non-renewable scholarship is designed for students who will be attending a four-year accredited college/university.
Rev. Spann dedicated his life to helping educate all students and making sure they reached their fullest potential and since 2002 this foundation has continued his legacy…through scholarship.
Honoring Margo Wilma Spann 1980-2021
Margo received her formal education in the Milwaukee Public Schools system, attending North Division High School. She continued her education at the University of Wisconsin- Madison, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts in English and Chicano Studies in 2002.
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Margo accepted Christ as her savior at the age of eight and was united with Tabernacle Community Baptist Church where she served in the Angel Choir, Junior Choir, Girl Scouts, Youth Department, Junior Church Office and Praise Dance Ministry. She was also a Nursery worker and Vacation Bible School teacher. In 1997, Margo joined Corinth Missionary Baptist Church where her father was pastor. While there, she served in the Mass Choir and Praise Dance Ministry. She also regularly attended the National Baptist Congress of Christian Education and the. Wisconsin General Baptist Congress of Christian Education and the Wisconsin General Baptist State Congress of Christian Education.
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Margo began her Journalism career as a student at the University of Wisconsin- Madison. She was active on campus writing for the Daily Cardinal- the Student Newspaper and as the Editor of the multicultural student newspaper Discourse.
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Margo's television career began in her hometown as an Assignment Editor at WISN- TV (ABC) in Milwaukee. She was also fortunate to start her air career in her hometown at WVTV (WB). From there she moved to WSAW-TV (CBS). There she juggled reporting, anchoring and producing duties. After nearly four years in northern Wisconsin, Margo WISC-TV (CBS) in Madison as the Rock County Reporter. During her TV news career, Margo received numerous awards including: Best News Writing, Best Live Shot, Best Videography.
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Margo moved to Los Angeles, California in 2014 and was currently working as an Entertainment Journalist and Red Carpet Correspondent. In 2018, she launched Cocoa Hollywood Media, a Production company and Consulting Firm.
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Margo was the COO of the Spann Foundation, a family scholarship organization started in 2002 in honor of her late father, to provide financial support to students of color in the greater Milwaukee area who are pursuing higher education opportunities.
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In her leisure, she enjoyed singing, acting, traveling and music. She graduated from Scratch DJ Academy and was a professional Disc Jockey.
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Margo dedicated her life helping everyone she came in contact with.
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