Alcenya Crowley facts for kids

Alcenya Crowley (born April 3, 1926 – died September 12, 2010) was an important teacher and activist. She was born in America but later became a Canadian citizen.

Early Life and Education

Alcenya McElwain was born in St. Paul, Minnesota, USA. She loved learning and studied at several places. First, she went to the Minneapolis School of Business. Later, she studied marketing at Ryerson University in Canada. She also earned a degree in political science from York University. This showed her interest in how governments work and how people can make a difference.

Career and Activism

Alcenya Crowley had many different jobs before becoming a teacher. She worked in a law office and an accountant's office. She also worked for the Metropolitan Children's Aid Society, which helps children. Later, she was a secretary for the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC).

She then became a business teacher for the Toronto District School Board. She taught many students until she retired in 1991.

Alcenya Crowley was also a dedicated activist. She joined the Canadian Negro Women's Association (CANEWA). This group later became known as the Congress of Black Women of Canada. She was a leader in this organization. She served as vice-president from 1957 to 1958. Then, she became president from 1959 to 1960.

One of her big achievements was leading CANEWA's first Calypso Carnival. This event celebrated the cultures of the group's members who came from the Caribbean. It was a way to share and honor their heritage. Alcenya Crowley also represented CANEWA at the funeral of Martin Luther King Jr.. This shows how important her work was in the civil rights movement.

Personal Life

In 1951, Alcenya married William Richard "Buddy" Crowley, who was a podiatrist (a foot doctor) from Canada. They moved to Toronto, Canada, together.

Sadly, her husband passed away in 1963. Alcenya Crowley lived until she was 84 years old. She died in Credit Valley Hospital in 2010.