On today’s episode of Radio Regent, Shirley Roberts and Alaa Mohamed of the St. Jamestown Community Corner speak with MP Marci Ien, whose public life has included many years spent as broadcast journalist at CTV, and her activism within the anti-Black racism movement. Ien had a long experience with broadcasting and media. She was a broadcast journalist for CTV. She co-hosted the CTV daytime talk show The Social from 2017 until 2020. She was also a reporter for CTV News and a co-anchor on the CTV morning program Canada AM.

Marci is the recipient of the African Canadian Achievement Award for her journalistic achievements, the Planet Africa Award for excellence in media in 2014, and Black Business and Professional Association Harry Jerome Award.

A one-time resident of St. Jamestown, Marci holds a particular affinity for the area. St. James Town is an inspiration to Ien.  The spirit and diversity of the community helped formed her vision of how she can serve her community.

While speaking with Shirley and Alaa, Marci talked about Anti-Black racism and inclusivity, and how it was the video George Flyod that propelled her to a path in politics. “I saw my own father, or uncles, or family members." said Marci. Ien talked about traumas that usually stick around People of Colour for years. Using the term "Macroaggressions" she was inspired her to talk about things that happened to her and to other Black people she knows. The struggles a black person would face to keep a job and to go through their daily life.

Marci Ien is an inspiring example of leaders in St. James Town. Her persistence, energy, and belief, informs her giving and passion to serve her community.