Voices of Legacy – Black History Month at VDA
From the earliest moments of my life, the power of oratory has been a constant presence. Watching my parents eloquently express themselves from the pulpit to the stage, I was imbued with a profound appreciation for the art of public speaking. It’s an art that does more than just convey information; it moves, persuades, and transforms audiences. At the Vancouver Debate Academy, we recognize the transformative power of voice, particularly in the realms of speech and debate. This is why we’re thrilled to announce the launch of our “Voices of Legacy” series.
“Voices of Legacy” is not just a celebration; it’s an exploration of the significant impactGeneral Definition: The final result of a cause and effect relationship that explains why the argument has meaning or value. A good impact answers the question, "Why does this argument matter?" See also "Impact Weighing". • Public Forum: see general definition. • World Schools Debate: see general definition. • British Parliamentary:see general definition. • Canadian National Debate Format:see general definition. More that voice has had and continues to have on our society. Through speech and debate, we engage with a wide array of social, economic, and political issues that touch every aspect of our lives. Black orators, in particular, have mastered the art of navigating the nuances of conflict, channeling this energy into progress and change. Their voices have echoed through time, advocating for justice, equality, and change, and it is this tradition that our series aims to honor and continue.
Weekly Themes: A Journey Through Oratory
Each week, “Voices of Legacy” will delve into a specific aspect of black oration, linking it to broader themes of “Storytelling,” “History,” “Future,” and “Education.” These themes are not only pillars of the black oratorical tradition but also fundamental elements of human experience that resonate with everyone, regardless of background.
Storytelling: The first week focuses on the power of storytelling. Black orators have long used narrative to connect with audiences, weaving together personal and communal histories to illuminate broader truths about society. Storytelling is an essential tool for empathy, understanding, and action.
History: In the second week, we’ll explore the historical context of black oration. From the abolitionist speeches of Frederick Douglass to the civil rights addresses of Martin Luther King Jr., black speakers have played a pivotal role in shaping our collective history, using their voices to challenge the status quoGeneral Definition: The current state of affairs; the present system. Arguments should usually begin with analysis of the status quo so the audience understands what is happening now before the motion is passed. • Public Forum: Commonly used. See also "Uniqueness". • World Schools Debate: see general definition. • British Parliamentary: see general definition. • Canadian National Debate Format: see More and advocate for a better future.
Futures: Looking forward, the third week is dedicated to the future. Here, we’ll highlight contemporary voices that are shaping the direction of social, political, and economic discourse. These are the voices that are crafting the narratives of tomorrow, addressing current issues and laying the groundwork for future generations.
Education: Finally, the series will culminate in a focus on education. Education is both a themeGeneral Definition: The main areas of clash in a debate.
• Public Forum: Not commonly used in PF, although teams may develop themes to frame key arguments.
• World Schools Debate: see general definition.
• British Parliamentary: see general definition.
• Canadian National Debate Format: see general definition.
More in black oration and a tool for empowerment. Through debates, speeches, and discussions, we can educate ourselves and others, fostering a more informed, empathetic, and active society.
Join Us in Celebrating the Voices of Legacy
The “Voices of Legacy” series is more than just an event; it’s a call to action. It’s an invitation to celebrate the beauty, achievements, and challenges of black culture through the lens of oration. But it’s also a prompt for all of us to recognize the power of our own voices in effecting change.
At the Vancouver Debate Academy, we’re committed to providing a platform for these important discussions, connecting the past with the present and future through the art of speech and debate. We invite you to join us in this celebration, to listen, learn, and perhaps most importantly, to raise your own voice in the ongoing dialogue that shapes our world.
Together, let’s honor the legacy of those who have used their voices to pave the way for progress and envision how we can contribute to that legacy with our own words and actions.
I look forward to taking this journey with you!
Benjamin Hagwood
About VDA
Vancouver Debate Academy is an internationally recognized private institution that offers debate and public speaking training to students from Grade 4 to 12 in Canada and abroad. Our skill-focused program improves students’ public speaking, critical thinking, research, leadership, and teamwork skills and fosters intrinsic learning.