History comes to life for students from Forest Lawn High School, Centennial High School, North Trail High School, and Central Memorial High School as they gathered for a powerful film screening that centred the story of Charles Daniel, a story many had never encountered before and based in Calgary, Alberta.
For many students, this was their first time hearing his name. What unfolded on screen was more than a historical account; it was a lived narrative of injustice, resilience, and courage that invited students to reflect on whose stories are remembered and whose are not.
The very theatre where this injustice once took place (The Grand) became the same space where students were immersed in history, seated in the very location where exclusion had once occurred. In that moment, the space itself became part of the learning, deepening their understanding of how place, memory, and story intersect.
The Grand
Student Reflections
Forest Lawn student Avreen, described sitting in the theatre and thinking, “representation matters.” She reflected on how Charles Daniel’s story had been buried for so long, prompting her to question what other important stories remain untold. As a person of colour, she shared that hearing his story felt affirming and a reminder that “we matter, and what we have to say matters.”
Fatima, echoed that sentiment, describing the documentary as deeply moving. As someone from a mixed-race family, she shared that learning about Charles Daniel helped her better understand aspects of Black culture and herself, she hadn’t fully recognized before. The powerful poetry woven throughout the screening reinforced how meaningful it is to be confident and comfortable in one’s own identity.
Students from Centennial High School reflected on a different, but equally powerful realization.
Centennial High School Students
Willow, a grade 12 student shared, “The fact that I had never heard of the story makes me wonder what else I don’t know about...it feels like there’s a big piece of history missing.” They noted that the documentary revealed there are no surviving photographs of Charles Daniel or his family, only written records, and reflected that many other impactful stories may still be revealed.
Across schools, students described how different it felt to experience history through storytelling rather than through a textbook. The screening moved beyond dates and facts, inviting reflection, dialogue, and personal connection. It reinforced the importance of centring Black voices in education, not as an addition, but as an essential part of understanding Alberta’s history.
Students also expressed deep appreciation for the artists and storytellers who made the experience possible. They spoke about how meaningful it was to hear directly from director, historian, and producer Cheryl Foggo and poet laureate Wakefield Brewster, whose personal connections to the story added depth and authenticity to the screening.
Lok Zi, a Grade 11 student, shared, “A big thank you to Wakefield and Cheryl for bringing this story to life and giving it new life for new generations,” capturing a collective sense of gratitude for the care, creativity, and courage involved in sharing this important chapter of Black history in Alberta.
Through experiences like this, history is no longer distant or abstract. It becomes something students can feel, question, and carry forward. Ensuring that stories once buried continue to shape new generations of learners.
For more information on this groundbreaking film, explore its feature at the Calgary International Film Festival.