Black History Month is an important time to acknowledge, celebrate, and educate ourselves about the experiences and contributions of Black individuals and communities in British Columbia and beyond. The creative industries are actively participating in this effort by highlighting stories, implementing programs and initiatives, and providing resources to support diversity and equity for both established and emerging artists. Here are some ways to celebrate the communities:
1. TELUS STORYHIVE Black Creators Edition Premiere
Date: February 1, 2023
11 new film projects from STORYHIVE’s Black Creators Edition will premiere on TELUS Optik TV Channel 707 and YouTube including dramas, comedies, documentaries and more.
2. Out of the Sun: On Black History and Storytelling
Date: February 16, 2023
Time: 5:00 to 7:00 pm
Location: Hermann’s Upstairs (2nd floor), 751 View Street, Victoria BC
A conversation with bestselling Canadian author, novelist, essayist, and Giller Prize Winner, Esi Edugyan, who is noted for writing “richly imagined and impeccably researched stories that illuminate complicated truths about race and belonging.”
4. Celebrate the Power and Joy of Music at the Belfry
Date: February 26, 2023
Time: 7:00pm to 9:00 pm
Location: Belfry Theatre at 1291 Gladstone Ave, Vancouver
BC Black History Awareness Society is thrilled to stage these two exciting performances, Noedy HD Quartet and Sadé Awele with the Serengeti Band. Noedy Hechavarria Duharte has established himself as a unique and original jazz musician on the West Coast of Canada.
5. Songs of Freedom
Date: Saturday, February 4th 2023
Time: 7:30 pm onwards
Location: Christ Church Cathedral at 690 Burrard Street, Vancouver
The program features Canadian treasure Louise Rose who is a sought-after vocal jazz ensemble clinician. She has played and sung with symphony orchestras in Canada and the United States and appeared in nightclubs, operas, and theatrical productions. She is an accomplished choral conductor and will lead a workshop (just prior to the concert) which will then perform for the event. Other performers include Khari Wendell McClelland, Marcus Mosely and the Marcus Mosely Ensemble. With Bill Sample on the piano, Tom Keenlyside on sax, and Noah Walker on guitar, it promises to be a very special evening, all with Gospel roots. Tickets for $42 are available online or by phone at 604-929-7864.
5. Vancouver Mural Festival Winter Arts – Pretty in Black
Date: February 19, 2023
Time: 1:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m
Location: VMF Winter Arts Hub, 850 West Georgia Street, Vancouver
Pretty In Black will show you the joy, warmth, and talent of Black artists in the Lower Mainland. You’ll get an eclectic variety of acoustic artists, MCs, bands and a DJ. Featuring: Silent St. J, Rahael, Bukola, Floetic, Lowkita, Adewolf, Missy D, AHSIA. Curated by: Kentya Kurban, Roaming Performers: Viva Entertainment, and Additional Programming: Bar, Cafe, Food Trucks, Market Vendors, Art Installations, UV Face Paint & Sparkle Station.
6. Black History and Heritage Day at the Royal BC Museum
Date: February 11, 2023
Time: 1:00 to 4:00 pm
Location: Royal BC Museum, Clifford Carl Hall, Victoria
Take this opportunity to meet and talk with direct descendants about their stories and family history. The exhibits include images, artifacts, and archival documents. This year’s special exhibit is created by Ron Nicholson, to honour the members and descendants of the No. 2 Construction Battalion, the all-Black Canadian Battalion that served in World War I.
7. Black History Month: Innovation Summit by Ethọ́s Lab
Date: Thursday, February 16 2023
Time: 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Location: Reliance Theatre, Emily Carr Campus
Grounded in the pillars of Inspiration, Community, Culture, and Innovation– this two-day summit includes a curated public event showcasing Black Innovation and creation and a youth-centred Hack-A-Thon renamed Blackathon (Black-A-Thon).
Tickets to attend the Innovation Summit are available to the general public with a suggested donation of $10. Proceeds will go directly toward their annual fundraising efforts.
Youth Black-a-thon
Date: Friday February 17
Time: 11:00am - 7:00pm
Location: Centre for Digital Media, Vancouver
Youths ages 12-18, school and youth organizations interested in participating in the Black-a-thon can register and receive information by emailing community@ethoslab.ca.
