LEGACY 2024: Cheryl Foggo

Critical Thinking Questions:

  1. Exploring Family History:

    • Cheryl Foggo uncovers stories of Alberta's Black pioneers, including her own family's history. Why is it important for us to learn about our family's past? How can knowing about our ancestors' experiences help us understand our own identities?

  2. Storytelling Through Different Mediums:

    • Cheryl Foggo writes fiction, non-fiction, plays, and scripts for TV and film. How do you think storytelling can be different in each of these formats? Can you think of any stories you would like to tell, and what format would you choose?

  3. Celebrating Cultural Heritage:

    • Cheryl Foggo's family is part of the migration of Black Oklahomans who settled in Alberta and Saskatchewan. How does celebrating our cultural heritage contribute to a sense of belonging and identity? Can you share something special about your own cultural background?

  4. Uncovering Hidden Histories:

    • Cheryl Foggo is known for uncovering the stories of Alberta's Black pioneers. Why do you think it's important to uncover and share stories that may have been overlooked or forgotten? Can you think of any other hidden histories you'd like to learn about?

  5. Inspiring Creativity:

    • Cheryl Foggo is an award-winning writer and filmmaker. How do you think her creative work can inspire others, including kids like you? Can you imagine yourself writing stories or making films like Cheryl Foggo one day?

Project Suggestions:

  1. Family Storybook:

    • Objective: Create a family storybook that highlights your own family's history and experiences. Include photos, drawings, and short stories or descriptions to capture important moments and memories.
    • Tools: Paper, markers, family photos.

  2. Playwriting Workshop:

    • Objective: Host a playwriting workshop where students can write short plays inspired by Cheryl Foggo's work. Encourage creativity and exploration of different themes, such as family, history, or cultural heritage.
    • Tools: Paper, pens, storytelling prompts.

  3. Cultural Heritage Exhibition:

    • Objective: Organize a cultural heritage exhibition where students can showcase artifacts, traditions, and stories from their own cultural backgrounds. This could include displays, performances, or interactive activities.
    • Tools: Display materials (e.g., poster boards, tables), artifacts or objects representing cultural heritage.

  4. Storytelling Podcast:

    • Objective: Create a storytelling podcast where students share their own stories or stories from their family's past. Use audio recordings, interviews, and narration to bring these stories to life.
    • Tools: Podcasting software (e.g., Anchor, Audacity), recording equipment.

  5. Film Screening and Discussion:

    • Objective: Host a film screening of one of Cheryl Foggo's films or documentaries. Afterward, facilitate a discussion where students can share their thoughts and reflections on the film's themes and messages.
    • Tools: Projector or screen, film viewing rights.

Grade Groups 7-12:

Critical Thinking Questions:

  1. Impact of Storytelling in Different Mediums:

    • Cheryl Foggo uses various mediums, including writing, directing, and filmmaking, to tell stories. How do you think storytelling in different mediums can impact the way stories are perceived and understood? Can you identify any examples from Cheryl Foggo's work?

  2. Representation in Media:

    • Cheryl Foggo's work often focuses on uncovering the stories of marginalized communities. Why is it important for media to accurately represent diverse experiences and perspectives? How can representation in media influence societal attitudes and perceptions?

  3. Exploring Cultural Identity:

    • Cheryl Foggo's family history is rooted in the migration of Black Oklahomans to Alberta and Saskatchewan. How does exploring cultural identity contribute to a deeper understanding of oneself and others? Can you reflect on your own cultural identity and its significance?

  4. Historical Awareness and Social Change:

    • Cheryl Foggo uncovers stories of Alberta's Black pioneers, shedding light on hidden histories. How does raising awareness of hidden histories contribute to social change and justice? Can you think of any other historical narratives that deserve more attention?

  5. Empowering Marginalized Voices:

    • Cheryl Foggo's work empowers marginalized voices and communities. How can individuals, including students, amplify marginalized voices and advocate for inclusivity and equity in society? What role can storytelling and media play in this process?

Project Suggestions:

  1. Documentary Film Project:

    • Objective: Collaborate on a documentary film project that explores a hidden history or marginalized community in your local area. Research, film interviews, and edit footage to create a compelling documentary that raises awareness and promotes understanding.
    • Tools: Video recording equipment, video editing software.

  2. Creative Writing Workshop:

    • Objective: Host a creative writing workshop where students can explore themes of identity, history, or social justice in their writing. Encourage experimentation with different genres and styles, inspired by Cheryl Foggo's diverse body of work.
    • Tools: Writing materials, writing prompts, storytelling resources.

  3. Community Storytelling Event:

    • Objective: Organize a community storytelling event where students, community members, and local storytellers can share personal stories or historical narratives. Create a platform for diverse voices to be heard and celebrated.
    • Tools: Event planning resources, venue, promotion materials.

  4. Social Media Awareness Campaign:

    • Objective: Launch a social media awareness campaign that highlights hidden histories, marginalized communities, or social justice issues. Use hashtags, infographics, and personal stories to engage and educate a wider audience.
    • Tools: Social media platforms (e.g., Instagram, Twitter), graphic design tools, content creation apps.

  5. Film Analysis and Discussion Series:

    • Objective: Organize a film analysis and discussion series focusing on Cheryl Foggo's films and documentaries. Facilitate discussions around themes of representation, storytelling, and social justice, encouraging critical thinking and reflection.
    • Tools: Film viewing rights, discussion guides, projector or screen.