S2:E4 Marjorie Knight

Marjorie Knight. Marjorie is an anti-poverty advocate and a two-time candidate for the Ontario NDP in Cambridge. She is a family outreach worker for the House of Friendship and a founder of Rhythm and Blues Cambridge, which works to provide a safe engaging space to empower, inform and inspire the Black community in Cambridge.

In this deep conversation between Marjorie discusses her experiences as a single black mother in Canada, who despite being well educated and having rich work experience, struggled for years in poverty because she would only be hired for minimum wage work. 

Marjorie shares about passion for her outreach work, her years of activism, the vitrol she faced on the campaign trail, and her work with Rhythm and Blues Cambridge.

• Learn more about Rhythm and Blues Cambridge
• Watch this profile of Marjorie entitled A Tenacious Life, which is part of the Citizens of Cambridge video series by The Blend Media Group

Highlights of this episode:

[00:01:20 - 00:02:00] Introduction & Marjorie's Multiple Roles
Marjorie Knight's rich life in Cambridge is introduced, shedding light on her many roles. As an anti-poverty advocate, Ontario NDP candidate, family outreach worker, and a mother and grandmother, she embodies a plethora of experiences.

[00:03:40 - 00:05:40] Personal Growth & Professional Commitment
Returning to university in her 50s, Marjorie pursued her passion for social work and outreach. She reflects on her day-to-day experiences at the House of Friendship, emphasizing the institution's mission of building a thriving, inclusive community.

[00:07:20 - 00:11:40] Immigration, Job Challenges & Societal Biases
Detailing her migration journey from Canada to Jamaica and back, Marjorie confronts the employment biases she faced in Canada. Despite significant professional experience in Jamaica with distinguished guests, she grappled with discriminatory practices and justifications like the "lack of Canadian experience."

[00:14:40 - 00:19:00] Overcoming Hardships & Community Solidarity
Facing financial lows and the subsequent hurdles of the Ontario Works welfare system, Marjorie found solace and support from her community. Whether it's church members assisting her during trying times or neighbors offering tangible help, the power of community shines through.

[00:22:00 - 00:26:00] Advocacy, Education, & Breaking Stereotypes
Marjorie delves into her advocacy for fair educational practices, addressing issues like the high cost of school uniforms and their accessibility. Additionally, she highlights the systemic biases immigrants face in Canada, addressing stereotypes and misinformed perceptions tied to one's country of origin.

[00:27:20 - 00:31:40] Systemic Change, Life Reflections & Political Path
A passionate call for systemic change, Marjorie underscores the pressing need for reforms in education and immigration systems. She provides a personal lens, juxtaposing her life decisions with experiences in Canada, and offers insights into her political journey, emphasizing the importance of voting.

[00:34:00 - 00:38:40] Addressing Racism, Collective Action & Political Involvement
Addressing the multifaceted challenges of racism, Marjorie emphasizes the role of youth and collective action. She reflects on her firsthand experiences with racism, the significance of speaking out, and her journey into politics.

[00:41:40 - 00:48:00] Community Engagement, Black History Month & Upcoming Projects
Marjorie shares her pivotal role in launching local cultural celebrations, including the first Black History Month.