LEGACY 2024: Wayde Compton

Critical Thinking Questions:

1. Discovering Local History:

   • Wayde Compton co-founded the Hogan's Alley Memorial Project to preserve Vancouver's Black community history. Why is it important to learn about the history of our local communities? How can understanding local history help us appreciate the diversity around us?

2. Creative Expression Through Writing:

   • Wayde Compton is a poet, essayist, and graphic novelist. How do you think storytelling through writing and art can help us learn about different cultures and experiences? Can you imagine yourself writing stories or creating artwork like Wayde Compton?

3. Exploring Heritage Through Literature:

   • Wayde Compton co-founded Commodore Books, the first Black Canadian Literary Press. Why is it important for people to have access to books and literature that reflect their own heritage and experiences? How can reading diverse books enrich our understanding of the world?

4. Role Models and Career Choices:

   • Wayde Compton teaches in the faculty of Creative Writing at Douglas College. How do you think his career as a writer and educator can inspire others, including kids like you? Can you imagine yourself pursuing a career that involves storytelling or education?

5. Preserving Community Stories:

   • Wayde Compton's work involves preserving the history of Vancouver's Black community. Why do you think it's important to preserve the stories and experiences of different communities? What are some ways we can help preserve the history of our own communities?

Project Suggestions:

1. Community History Scrapbook:

   • Objective: Create a scrapbook that explores the history of your local community. Include photos, drawings, and short descriptions of important landmarks, events, and people. Share the scrapbook with classmates to learn about each other's communities.
   • Tools: Scrapbook materials (paper, glue, markers), photos of local landmarks.

2. Graphic Novel Creation Workshop:

   • Objective: Host a workshop where students can create their own graphic novels inspired by local history or personal experiences. Provide guidance on storytelling, character development, and artwork techniques.
   • Tools: Paper, drawing supplies, graphic novel templates.

3. Literary Heritage Book Club:

   • Objective: Start a book club where students read and discuss books by diverse authors, including those that reflect their own heritage and experiences. Encourage students to share their thoughts and reflections on the books they read.
   • Tools: Diverse books, discussion guides.

4. Career Exploration Panel:

   • Objective: Organize a panel discussion featuring professionals from various career fields, including writing, education, and community activism. Invite a guest speaker, if possible, to share insights into their career paths and experiences.
   • Tools: Event planning resources, guest speaker invitation.

5. Community Storytelling Event:

   • Objective: Host a community storytelling event where students, families, and community members can share stories and memories from their own backgrounds. Provide a platform for diverse voices to be heard and celebrated.
   • Tools: Event space, promotional materials.

Grade Groups 7-12:

Critical Thinking Questions:

1. Community Engagement and Advocacy:

   • Wayde Compton co-founded the Hogan's Alley Memorial Project to preserve Vancouver's Black community history. How can community organizations like this one empower individuals and communities to advocate for social change? Can you think of other examples of community-led initiatives making a difference?

2. Impact of Literature on Identity:

   • Wayde Compton co-founded Commodore Books, providing a platform for Black Canadian voices. How does literature play a role in shaping individual and collective identities? Can you discuss the importance of diverse representation in literature?

3. The Intersection of Art and Activism:

   • Wayde Compton is a poet, essayist, and graphic novelist. How do you think creative expression, such as writing and art, can be used as tools for activism and social change? Can you identify examples from Wayde Compton's work or other artists?

4. Educational Role of Writers:

   • Wayde Compton teaches in the faculty of Creative Writing at Douglas College. How can educators like him contribute to shaping the next generation of writers and thinkers? What role does education play in nurturing creativity and critical thinking?

5. Preserving Cultural Heritage:

   • Wayde Compton's work involves preserving the history of Vancouver's Black community. Why is it important to preserve and celebrate the cultural heritage of different communities? How can individuals and organizations ensure that diverse histories are remembered and honored?

Project Suggestions:

1. Community Oral History Project:

   • Objective: Collaborate on an oral history project that documents the stories and experiences of members of your local community. Conduct interviews, record stories, and create a digital or physical archive to preserve these narratives.
   • Tools: Recording equipment, interview guides, archival materials.

2. Literary Magazine Publication:

   • Objective: Create a literary magazine featuring works by diverse writers, including students, teachers, and community members. Include poetry, essays, short stories, and artwork that explore themes of identity, culture, and social justice.
   • Tools: Publication software, editing tools, printing services.

3. Community Engagement Symposium:

   • Objective: Organize a symposium where students present research or projects related to community engagement and activism. Invite guest speakers, facilitate discussions, and showcase initiatives that address local and global issues.
   • Tools: Event planning resources, presentation equipment.

4. Creative Writing Workshop Series:

   • Objective: Host a series of creative writing workshops led by local writers, including poets, novelists, and playwrights. Provide opportunities for students to develop their writing skills and explore different genres and styles.
   • Tools: Writing materials, workshop facilitators, writing prompts.

5. Public Art Installation:

   • Objective: Collaborate on a public art installation that celebrates the cultural heritage and history of your local community. Work with artists, community members, and local organizations to design and install the artwork in a prominent location.
   • Tools: Art supplies, collaboration tools, installation space.