‘African Heritage Centre will unite people, celebrate our rich history’
Marsha D.A. Bennett is a passionate advocate and dedicated professional with a rich background in healthcare and years of experience as a Personal Support Worker. Her advocacy journey began with a deep interest in immigration consultation, which revealed her natural affinity for the legal field. In pursuit of this passion, she completed her studies in Paralegalism in 2013 and successfully passed her licensing exam in 2017. Motivated by a desire to uplift her community, Marsha recently founded BENNETT LEGAL, she speaks about her activities as a sole proprietorship, offering accessible legal services.
Inspiration behind advocacy and community service
I believe I have always been an advocate. As a child, I remember standing up to bullies on behalf of those who were small and felt they could not fight for themselves. As I grew, that fighting spirit stayed with me, being heard in high school hallways, staff meetings and anywhere I saw injustice. I always wanted to be able to just do more to help fix things and even though I may not have been able to do anything on a grand scale for the world to see, I know I have done good when my actions affected, turned back to say thank you for helping. It’s a good feeling but there is so much more to be done.
Vision for AHC’s growth and impact as Public Relations Director
When Michael Dibua approached me to share the vision of the AHC, even though at the time there was no available slideshow to share with me, I was excited. His excitement excited me. When I think of the lives that will be touched by this magnificent vision, I am encouraged to do more. It is so big that it does scare me but it’s that very fear that drives me to think about how far this will go. I see great events like masquerade balls in our banquet halls, Black filmmakers debuting their films in our theatres, and Governmental officials and Heads of State from across the globe residing in our grand hotel rooms when in Ontario. That is the big high style of the AHC that I see but, I also see the average person coming in to learn and interact with each other. I see our histories being accessible so that people from all backgrounds can see that we are great people who have suffered but are still able to share with the greater community. I see immigrants from the Continent as well as the Caribbean, coming to the AHC to be assisted with settlement. After the great mishandling of the African refugees just this past year or two, it made me wonder if there would have been great urgency to treat our people better if we had a place like the AHC.
Influence of healthcare and legal background
Taking care of each other is a must, it’s just that simple. I have an ingrained desire to love and care for those around me, compassion must rule our hearts. Having a legal background helps me to understand the legal challenges we may face down the road, and how to use the laws to overcome those challenges. I approach my work with the AHC with passion, diligence and purpose. I care about my people, all people but mainly my people and that is only natural. I want to see the Black man hold his head up and stand tall, I want him to extend a strong hand to the Black youths who need him to show them the way. I want to see my people win. I want to see young Black girls look to older women for guidance and let them see that we come from greatness. The same way I approached my work in healthcare and the legal field, is the same way I aim to work with the AHC- passionately.
Heritage and culture’s role in future generations
Funny you should ask. I was having dinner with some friends a few nights ago and we touched on this very thing, albeit, from a Jamaican perspective. I mentioned before that Jamaicans are proud people so our children grow to see that side of us, no matter what challenges we face, we hold our heads high because it’s in our blood. We see this pride in our children when they eagerly wave our flag, dance to reggae music or even try to speak the language. They want to be identified with their heritage and that makes me elated to see that. When the younger generations know who they are as a people, the rich history of their ancestors, and the struggles of their forefathers even their fathers today, they will understand why we encourage them to seek a good path in life. When we share with them the stories of our people and let them know about heroes that look like them, they will gain strength from it. They can only gain courage from knowing who they are, I believe they will stand taller and be more vocal about the issues that affect their civil rights, we need to raise future leaders from our community. Ones who are not afraid to fight because they know what their ancestors had to do just for us to be free today. Hopefully, it will instill a sense of community in them so that they will work together and not think selfishly. We are stronger together than as individuals.
Motivation behind BENNETT LEGAL
BENNETT LEGAL was born from a desire to help those who reach out to me with their woes. Some matters were just so egregious that I felt I had to do something; I took it personally if I felt others were being disadvantaged. I am proud of those I have been able to help. Black people I find, often shy away from the justice system, they tend to have a ‘leave it to God’ approach and while that may sound good, when God sends you help you take it. I believe BENNETT LEGAL has served as a beacon for those who need more services than I can offer so I bring those relationships together.
Balancing professional commitments and law school preparation
Honestly, that has been my greatest challenge so far and I haven’t quite figured it out. I took the last couple of semesters off so that I could refocus and figure out my next steps. At first, I felt like I was failing my friends and family but eventually, I had to look past any feelings of disappointing them and regroup my life. I want to ensure that when I return to classes, I am mentally stronger and better. Right now, my focus is ensuring my clients are catered to before I resume my studies.
Biggest Influence as a Community Leader and Advocate
I wouldn’t say there was any one person or thing of influence; however, I was deeply affected by the George Floyd murder and the Truckers Convoy in Ottawa during the COVID-19 pandemic. I felt so helpless against the tyranny which unfolded before our eyes. On top of dealing with what was at the time, a new normal of social distancing, I wanted to be a voice for those who were silenced but I didn’t know how at the time. Now more than ever, I have learned the importance of getting involved and advocating for the things which affect us all. If we don’t get involved, nothing changes. The little guy will always be little and the giants will always be in control.
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