Fennella Bruce (Questions and Projects)

·       As a veteran television news producer, writer, and the driving force behind FKB Media Solutions and FKB Media Productions Inc., Fennella Bruce has elevated the voices and talents of aspiring Black individuals across various professions and organizations. As a journalist for 25 years, and then as an entrepreneur, her work has brought their stories and expertise to national audiences, reshaping narratives and creating space for diversity in Canadian media. Beyond her professional achievements, Fennella's leadership in organizations like Women in Film and Television - Toronto, and her mentorship of journalists, underscores her commitment to empowering marginalized communities.

Grades 3-5: Understanding Media and Representation

  1. How does Fennella Bruce help people feel seen and heard through her work?
    Critical Question: Why is it important for everyone to feel included in the stories we tell?

  2. What does it mean to create “space for diversity”?
    Critical Question: How can you create space for others at school or in your community?

  3. If you had a chance to tell a story on TV, whose story would you tell and why?
    Critical Question: How do stories help us understand people who are different from us?

  4. Why do you think Fennella Bruce started her own company to share stories?
    Critical Question: How can starting something new help solve a problem in your community?

  5. What is mentorship, and why does Fennella Bruce help other journalists?
    Critical Question: How does helping others grow make the world a better place?

Grades 5-8: Exploring Media and Social Change

  1. How does Fennella Bruce’s work in media help make Canada more inclusive?
    Critical Question: What does inclusion mean to you, and how do you see it in your daily life?

  2. Why is it important for young people to see people like them in the media?
    Critical Question: How can seeing yourself represented encourage you to follow your dreams?

  3. What challenges do you think Fennella Bruce faced as a Black woman entrepreneur in media?
    Critical Question: How can society support people who face extra challenges because of their background?

  4. How can telling stories from different communities help fight stereotypes?
    Critical Question: What are some examples of stereotypes you’ve seen in media, and how can they be changed?

  5. How does mentorship create more opportunities for diversity in media?
    Critical Question: What is one way you could help someone else reach their goals?

Grades 8-12: Media Literacy and Critical Analysis

  1. How does Fennella Bruce’s work as a journalist and entrepreneur reshape the way Canadian media tells stories?
    Critical Question: Why is it important to have diverse leaders shaping the media we consume?

  2. What role does media play in shaping public opinions about marginalized communities?
    Critical Question: How can students use social media to share positive stories about underrepresented groups?

  3. Why is mentorship a powerful tool for creating equity in industries like journalism and film?
    Critical Question: How can you find or be a mentor to make a positive difference in someone’s life?

  4. What does “reshaping narratives” mean, and why is it important for marginalized groups in Canada?
    Critical Question: How does changing the way a story is told change the way people feel about it?

  5. What challenges and opportunities exist for Black professionals like Fennella Bruce in the Canadian media industry?
    Critical Question: How can young people advocate for change in industries where they see a lack of diversity?

Grades 3-5: Exploring Media and Storytelling

  1. Create a Storybook:
    Students create a short illustrated storybook about a person in their community who inspires them. The focus should be on celebrating diversity and inclusion.

  2. News Reporter for a Day:
    Students pretend to be news reporters and write or record a short news story about an event at their school, showcasing the importance of fairness and inclusion.

  3. Diversity Collage:
    Create a visual collage using magazine clippings, drawings, or printed images that represent different cultures and communities. Include captions about what diversity means to them.

  4. Media Detective:
    Watch a kid-friendly TV show or movie and analyze the characters to see if they represent different groups fairly. Write or present what they found and how they would improve it.

  5. Thank You Letter:
    Write a letter to someone in the community (e.g., a teacher, police officer, or artist) who helps make everyone feel included. Explain why their work is important.

Grades 5-8: Building Media Awareness

  1. Create a Short Video:
    In groups, students create a 2–3-minute video highlighting the importance of diversity in their school or community, inspired by Fennella Bruce’s work.

  2. Magazine Cover:
    Design a magazine cover featuring someone from their community who has made a difference. Include headlines and a short description of why they chose this person.

  3. Media Bias Exploration:
    Analyze two news articles about the same topic and compare how the stories are told. Discuss if one is more inclusive or fair than the other.

  4. Podcast Episode:
    Record a short podcast discussing why representation in media is important. Students can interview a classmate or family member about their thoughts on diversity.

  5. Diversity Poster Campaign:
    Design posters that promote inclusion and the importance of diverse voices in media. Display them around the school.

Grades 8-12: Advanced Media and Advocacy

  1. Media Analysis Project:
    Research a Canadian media company and analyze how it represents marginalized communities. Present findings and suggest improvements to make their media more inclusive.

  2. Short Film Creation:
    Produce a 3–5-minute short film that tells a story about inclusion, inspired by the values of Fennella Bruce. Focus on reshaping narratives.

  3. Social Media Campaign:
    Develop a social media campaign to highlight underrepresented voices in their school or community. Include posts, hashtags, and ideas for raising awareness.

  4. Diversity in Media Essay:
    Write an essay on how representation in Canadian media has changed over time and what still needs improvement. Use examples from real media figures, including Fennella Bruce.

  5. Community Journalism Project:
    Students interview a community leader or member and write an article or record a video sharing their story. Focus on how their work impacts diversity and inclusion.