By: Pam Wright, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Chatham Voice
Chatham native Melissa Strachan has received a prestigious award from the Canadian International Black Women Excellence (CIBWE) organization.
At a recent gala in Toronto, the Kitchener social worker was acknowledged with a “Black Pearl” award for her accomplishments.
Each year the agency celebrates 100 Black women and the advancements they have made in Canada and beyond.
CIBWE delivers programs through creative efforts such as events, publications, training, online platforms, social enterprises, capacity building and special projects that connect Black women to the world of opportunities that are available.
Proud mom Marcha Strachan, who attended the Oct. 25 event, told The Voice, she’s delighted about the honour.
“My head is big,” Strachan joked. “It’s a one-time thing and I think I’m allowed to be proud. They tried to make the girls (honourees) feel very special and Melissa was sparkling that night.”
Melissa, 46, attended McNaughton Avenue Public School and Chatham-Kent Secondary School, and holds a Master degree in Social Work. She is currently the associate director of counselling at the University of Waterloo.
According to Marcha, her family hails from the Dresden area and Melissa is seven generations removed from slavery.
“We are standing on the shoulders of everyone who has come before us,” she said.
