What a historic night! Thank you for showing Dr. Kendi how vital it is for Calgarians to take part in the global conversation about Great Replacement Theory and the rise of authoritarianism. A big round of applause for host Zain Velji (check out his series Whatever This Is on ForwardCanada), our partners at the Taylor Centre for the Performing Arts, Owl’s Nest Books (who still have a few more signed copies of Chain of Ideas and Dr. Kendi’s extensive backlist), and Penguin Random House Canada. Check out Wordfest’s show reel and follow us on social media to enhance your connection to the world’s best authors.

To learn more about the history and ideas discussed, here is a link to the comprehensive website Dr. Kendi created as a companion to his best-selling book (No. 1 in Calgary thanks to you), including source material and global organizations building coalitions, supporting survivors, challenging disinformation, and creating new societies rooted in truth and justice.

Highlight: Listen to Dr. Kendi as he links the chain of ideas to its nemesis, the chain of humanity.

WORDFEST YOUTH

Dr. Kendi spent Tuesday afternoon sharing his knowledge with 600 Calgary students in Grades 8-12, and representatives from each of the 10 schools were given the opportunity to go mic-to-mic with Dr. Kendi. They asked thought-provoking questions, ranging in topic from dealing with racism couched in ‘jokes’ to on holding each other, adults, and institutions accountable. One teacher shared “I cannot begin to tell you the impact it had on my students. All of the students were buzzing with conversation on the bus ride home and I cannot wait to debrief with them in class. I am such a fan of Wordfest and the important work that you do in encouraging diverse voices and getting kids to read.”

You can eavesdrop here on one of the student-led exchanges here. 

Thank you to our individual supporters, private foundations, and Penguin Random House Canada for donating class sets of How to Be a (Young) Antiracist. Over the past decade, Wordfest has given out 15,000+ industry-leading contemporary books that enhance curriculum to Calgary students. Discover how you can support the freedom to read and fuel teen literacy.