Writing Change
Into the World

Calgary’s Poet Laureate 2022-24, Wakefield Brewster, recently embarked on a collaborative project with students from Connect Charter School, igniting a passion for poetry and social change. Held at cSPACE Marda Loop, the initiative titled “Writing Change Into The World” engaged middle school students in exploring societal issues through the art of poetry.

Brewster’s partnership with Connect Charter School aimed to empower students to articulate their visions for a better world. Through a series of workshops and performances, students from Grades 7 to 9 delved into the power of words to address pressing social issues.

The project culminated in a public performance at the RGO Treehouse in cSPACE Marda Loop, generously provided by CEO Deeter Schurig. Here, students showcased their poetic talents, leaving a lasting impact on the audience.

There is no greater honour than being of an elder generation that leaves a positive impact on younger ones…For my Poet Laureate Legacy Project, I did not write a book, attempt a tome, make a recording, nor set word in stone. My Laureate Legacy is your Poetic Progeny. – Wakefield Brewster

Brewster expressed gratitude to Connect Charter School, cSPACE Marda Loop, and Calgary Arts Development for their support in bringing the project to fruition. He commended the students for their creativity and commitment to effecting positive change through poetry.

As Brewster’s tenure as Poet Laureate comes to a close, the legacy of this collaboration serves as a testament to the transformative power of art and education in fostering social consciousness and creativity among Calgary’s youth.

About Wakefield Brewster, Calgary Poet Laureate, 2022 – 2024

March 2024

Poet Wakefield Brewster stepped onto his first stage as a Spoken Word Artist in January 1999. Now renowned as one of Canada’s most powerful Professional Performance Poets, Wakefield became the sixth Poet Laureate of Calgary in 2022. The first Black Poet Laureate of Calgary, ever.

Photo credit: Mike Tan Photo