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In our final session at a local middle school, our group of middle schoolers discuss the strengths they see in themselves and share gratitude for the time we spent together.
Seventh- and eighth-graders Betsa, Siddig, Aksayan and Yoel engage in a meaningful reflection about their identities and relationships, and the skills they’ve built for mental well-being in the face of both subtle and overt racism.
Our group of boys can’t get enough of Miles Morales, a fictional 13-year-old boy of African American and Puerto Rican ancestry who went mainstream as Spider-Man in 2018.
What do Kobe Bryant, Colin Kaepernick, Miles Morales and O’Shea Jackson have in common? They’re examples of media representation that were most resonant with our group of seventh- and eighth-grade boys of colour.
We often talk with boys about wearing ‘masks’ that hide our vulnerability or authenticity from the people around us. Yet the reality for boys of colour is that they often don’t get to choose the labels that get put onto them by others.
Our group of seventh- and eighth-grade students explore the realities of boyhood and race in a heartfelt discussion about cultural identity, racial stereotypes, and societal expectations for boys.
Seventh- and eighth-graders Betsa, Siddig, Aksayan, Yoel, and Kamari dive into a compelling discussion about the intricacies of boyhood, friendship and societal expectations.
Louis shares how he took action on his newfound values of compassion and nonviolence by standing up for a vulnerable peer, and reflects on how this connects to positive masculinity, social power, and growing up as a young man.
Louis describes going through the whirling feelings of being stuck in violence—the heavy influence of helplessness and fear, the underpinnings of compassion within his guilt, and above all, his determination to change.
(Trigger warning: homophobia, physical assault) Louis comes close to tears as he explains how he and his friends ended up putting another young boy in the hospital, and landing themselves in court.
Eleven-year-old Louis begins his story by describing what it was like to start at a new school, how he initially avoided connecting with any classmates but pretty quickly fell in with a group of friends who made him feel like things wouldn’t be so bad.
(Trigger warning: suicide ideation) This is a story of friendship, belonging, violence and guilt. It’s a vulnerable unearthing of a young boy’s fears and joys, his deep shame of who he was in the past and a growing vision for who he will become. This is Louis’ story.
Fourteen-year-old Joseph shares his thoughts and experiences on training, competing and envisioning himself as a high-level athlete competing at a national level. Joined by Jason Rogers, Olympic medalist and writer on the evolving state of masculinity.
Jack describes his experience with online learning, social distancing and starting high school in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. Joined by Jon Harper, assistant principal, author and host of My Bad and Teacher’s Aid podcasts.
Thirteen-year-old Evan talks about the sense of belonging he’s found in musical theatre. Joined by Jen Kuhl, a facilitator and musical theatre choreographer.
Fifteen-year-old Logan talks about moving across the country and leaving behind the openness and warmth of the friendships he used to have. Joined by Dr. Michael Reichert, author of How To Raise A Boy.
Rehan describes Islamophobia from the perspective of a thirteen-year-old Muslim boy. Joined by Fatmeh Kalouti, a youth worker at the Edmonton Mennonite Centre for Newcomers.
Introduction episode for season two. A look back on my own adolescence, a story from the past few months and a call for parents and educators to join the conversation on boyhood masculinity.
