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February is Black History Month.

The theme for Black History Month this year is, "Ours to tell. This theme represents both an opportunity to engage in open dialogue and a commitment to learning more about the stories Black communities in Canada have to tell about their histories, successes, sacrifices and triumphs."

We'd like to share with you some great resources and events happening in the lower mainland, and we invite you to learn and celebrate Black History in Canada and around the world.

This is a non-comprehensive list of some educational events happening in and around town over the next few weeks.

And, make sure you bookmark the folks at Black History Month 2023 – Vancouver & Lower Mainland Events Blog and VancouverisAwesome- they are great resources for information about events in and around Vancouver.

Upcoming Educational Events

Weds. Feb. 15 from 5PM - 7PM @ SFU, Maggie Benston Centre (8888 University Dr, Burnaby)
Women's Centre x OOC Black Resistance Movie Night - Free!
  • Register here
  • Join the Women's Centre and Out on Campus for an evening event in the GSS Lounge to celebrate Black filmmaking with Aisha (2022)
Thurs. Feb. 16 from 6PM - 8PM @ Massy Arts Society (23 East Pender St., Vancouver)
Rights Back At You: A Podcast Listening Party
  • Free! Registration required.
  • Amnesty International Canada's new podcast is an unflinching look at anti-Black racism, policing, and surveillance in Canada and beyond.

Fri. Feb. 17 from 12PM - 1:30PM Online
Black Lives, Black Voices and Black Identities in the Faculty of Medicine
  • Free! Registration required.
  • To commemorate Black History Month, the Faculty of Medicine’s Office of Respectful Environments, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion invites you to join our panel on Friday, February 17, 2023 from 12–1:30 pm. This panel will provide a space for an important conversation about the experiences of Black members of the Faculty and the challenges they face to find belonging.

Sat, Feb. 18 from 12PM – 3PM @ Victoria Community Hall (Coquitlam)
Black History Month Family Day
  • Free! Check out their website here.
  • Celebrate the dynamic and varied cultures of the African diaspora in Coquitlam and the Lower Mainland during our 4th annual Black History Month Family Day! Come dance, craft, visit with neighbours, and enjoy amazing foods together in community.

Sat. Feb. 18 from 4:30PM - 6:00PM @ Vancouver Police Museum & Archives (240 E. Cordova St., Vancouver)
The History of Hogan's Alley with Wayde Compton and John Atkin
  • Tickets available here.
  • Discover the incredible hidden histories of the DTES and the ongoing fight for recognition and justice.
    The Downtown Eastside was one of the first places in Vancouver settled by European, African, and Asian people. This historic neighbourhood, which includes Gastown, Strathcona, and Chinatown, was once the thriving business and cultural centre of Vancouver. Over the decades, gentrification, a lack of affordable housing, and the forced displacement of people had a devastating effect on many communities. Join us for the first event of our “Hidden Histories” 2023 Speaker Series: The History of Hogan’s Alley.

Weds. Feb. 22 from 4PM - 8PM @ Surrey City Hall (13450 104 Ave., Surrey)
Black in BC: Celebrating Black Excellence
  • Free! Registration required.
  • This Black History Month, DIVERSEcity Community Resources Society, with support from the Surrey Local Immigration Partnership, is launching the first annual Black in BC event to celebrate Black excellence in Surrey and Metro Vancouver. The empowering event will connect Black professionals, entrepreneurs, leaders and youth, along with individual and organizational allies to:
    >> Celebrate the achievements, cultures and contributions of Black Canadians
    >> Recognize and honour Black history in Canada
    >> Inspire dialogue, learning and support for Black achievement
    >> Advance equity and excellence for Black British Columbians including new immigrants and refugees

Thurs. Feb. 23 from 10AM - 11AM on Zoom.
Historical Considerations on Nursing Education Across Canada
  • Register here.
  • Learn about a Rockefeller Foundation report written by Ethel Johns (the first director of nursing at UBC) on the status of Black women in the nursing profession in the United States (written in 1925), the entry of Black students to UBC Nursing and UNB School of Nursing, and racism in nursing education and practice in Canada today.  

Thurs. Feb. 23 from 5:30PM - 7:00PM @ The Garden Strathcona (868 E. Hastings)
Anti-Racism in Action: Black Liberation Through the Art of Dreaming and Design
  • Tickets available here.
  • As we celebrate Black History Month, we must remember that it goes beyond February, a black frame IG post and speaking without action. We invite our community members and allies to join us for this interactive workshop as we encourage each other to have an open dialogue that fosters a positive mindset and our willingness to take action to advocate for equal opportunities and help those who are disadvantaged, no matter their skin colour. A discussion not only focused on race & racism but really on practicing rest and experiencing wellness as Black community members.

More Resources You Should Really Check Out
Celebrating Black History goes beyond one month a year. Consider what actions can you take to continue breaking down racism and bringing anti-racism work to the forefront in all aspects of your life.

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