Spencer's life and work reflect the richness of African American literature during the Harlem Renaissance, as well as her personal journey from the rural South to national literary recognition. Her roots in Virginia and West Virginia, along with her experiences as a child of former slaves, shaped the profound connection to nature and heritage evident in much of her poetry. Her upbringing in Bramwell, surrounded by the natural beauty of the countryside, fueled her creativity and later inspired many works.

Her education played a crucial role in her intellectual development. As a teacher and librarian, she dedicated herself to nurturing young minds, all while cultivating her passion for writing. The Harlem Renaissance, with its focus on African American culture and intellectualism, provided a platform for Spencer's voice, and her work was heralded by some of the leading figures of the era. Her poem "Before the Feast at Shushan," published in the pivotal journal The Crisis, is one of her most significant, exploring spirituality, race, and resilience.