Local trailblazer celebrates representation milestones, but says more action needed

Marcia Smelliehas worn many hats over the years, yet one of the most fulfilling highlights is knowing her workis helping make a difference, especially in the lives of youth.

The retired public school teacher says shewas the first Black educator at her school.In an interview with CBC K-W'sThe Morning Editionhost 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 isone 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 alsoheavily involved in the Ontario Secondary School Teachers' Federation.

Scholarships for youth

Smelliecurrently 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 theKW Multicultural Centre, Caribbean Canadian Association of Waterloo Region andAfrican Canadian Association of Waterloo Region.

The organization offers scholarships toBlack 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.

Smelliealso helped launch Run4Office Waterloo region, which aims to increase representation of visible minorities across all levels of government.

When asked what's next, Smelliesaid 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 experiencesas the first Black teacher in her public school and how more needs to be done to ensure representation in schools.

WR Changemakers: Marcia Smellie

12 months ago

Duration 2:39

Marcia Smellie is being recognized for her time with the public school board, the Congress of Black Women Waterloo Region chapter, Run4Office Waterloo region and many other roles advocating for more representation in the region.

Listen to the full interview:

Waterloo region Changemakers19:16Waterloo region Changemakers: Marcia Smellie

CBC K-W's Waterloo region Changemakers project aims to highlight people who have made a positive impact on the community through their work and story. The project is to honour the team's 10 year anniversary in the region. Marcia Smellie is being recognized for her time with the public school board, the Congress of Black Women Waterloo Region chapter, Run4Office Waterloo region and many other roles advocating for more representation in the region.