Local trailblazer celebrates representation milestones, but says more action needed
CBC K-W is recognizing Changemakers who have had a positive impact on the community
Waterloo region Changemakers highlights people who have made a positive impact on the community through their work and stories. The project is part of CBC Kitchener-Waterloo's 10-year anniversary in the region. The Changemakers were chosen by a selection committee made up of community members and CBC.
The Changemakers will be featured online and in an interactive photo exhibit at the Kitchener Public Library. You're invited to the photo unveiling ceremony at the library on Friday, Sept. 22 at 10 a.m. The exhibit will run until Nov. 3.
Marcia Smellie has worn many hats over the years, yet one of the most fulfilling highlights is knowing her work is helping make a difference, especially in the lives of youth.
The retired public school teacher says she was the first Black educator at her school. In an interview with CBC K-W's The Morning Edition host Craig Norris, Smellie, who is being recognized as one of CBC K-W's Waterloo region Changemakers, said the representation was important for students.
"Students would go by and take a peek into [my classroom] because they knew there was a new teacher and many of them have never had a Black teacher and we had conversations about that in those early days," she said.
"I know how important it is to your sense of self to see yourself reflected in the world that you're in, in the space that you're in. It makes you feel a lot better about yourself," she added.
She said when it comes to representation in schools, there's still a ways to go but she recognizes there are many dedicated people doing the work.
"We have to recognize that when an institution or when a part of society is one way for a while, it takes a lot to move it, to change it," she added.
Smellie went on to serve in various administrative roles that helped lead to race relations leadership camps and education seminars. She was also heavily involved in the Ontario Secondary School Teachers' Federation.
Scholarships for youth
Smellie currently serves as the Ontario Secretary for the Congress of Black Women Waterloo Region chapter. The chapter runs programs that benefit local communities, not limited to Black communities. They've partnered with a number of organizations such as the KW Multicultural Centre, Caribbean Canadian Association of Waterloo Region and African Canadian Association of Waterloo Region.
The organization offers scholarships to Black youth who excel in school activities, but don't necessarily have to be A+ students, Smellie said.
"But what you must do is participate in the community ... do some positive things in your school and also be able to tell us how you're going to pay for your education and what it is going to mean to you," she added.
Smellie also helped launch Run4Office Waterloo region, which aims to increase representation of visible minorities across all levels of government.
When asked what's next, Smellie said she's open to anything and joked, "if I can fit it on the plate."
Watch a clip:
In this video clip, Smellie reflects on her experiences as the first Black teacher in her public school and how more needs to be done to ensure representation in schools.
Listen to the full interview:
With files from Carmen Groleau and The Morning Edition’s Craig Norris