February is Black History Month in Canada and it’s extremely important for people in Canada to take this time and use it as an opportunity to educate ourselves about the history, the culture, achievements, and contributions of Black Canadians.
This year’s theme for Black History Month is: “February and Forever: Celebrating Black History today and every day,” which focuses on honouring and recognizing the daily contributions that Black Canadians make for Canada.
It is not just enough to celebrate Black History Month once a year, but it is crucial that every day we are honouring, uplifting and respecting the voices and lives of members of the Black community.
To help honour, educate and celebrate, compiled is a number of informative Black History Month events taking place in Vancouver.
BC Black Awareness Society hosts a zoom conversation with Dr. Cornel West
Being a Hope Amid Crisis: A Conversation with Dr. Cornel West, a professor at Union Theological Seminary and Professor Emeritus at Princeton University. Dr West has authored 20 books, including Race Matters, Democracy Matters, his memoir, Brother West: Living and Loving Out Loud, and his newest book, Black Prophetic Fire.
The discussion takes place over zoom on February 16th, 2022 from 5-6pm and it is completely free to participate. Visit here for more information.
Vancouver Mural Festival’s Black Strathcona Resurgence Project
Vancouver Mural Festival partnered with local Black artists, curators, businesses and communities to embark on a project showcasing Black storytelling through the visual impact of public murals.
To experience the murals, visit the South wall of the BC Hydro Murrin Substation building on Main Street & Union Street – the intersection of Hogan’s Alley & Chinatown. Visit here for more information.
Black History Month at VIFF Centre
The Vancouver International Film Festival Centre presents a month of movies that highlight Black voices from around the world. Films include Who We Are: A Chronicle of Racism in America and Music. Money. Madness – Jimi Hendrix: Experience Live in Maui.
The VIFF Centre is located at 1181 Seymour Street, Vancouver. You can find more information about the event and purchase tickets here.