With January nearing its end, it’s time to turn towards February, the month of Valentine’s Day, Family Day, and Black History Month. From supporting Black-owned businesses and creators to enjoying new art and live performances, there are many ways to commemorate Black History Month in Metro Vancouver this year – in February and beyond.
Bridging the Cultural Divide
HeadHeartHadn Foundation is celebrating Black History Month on Saturday, January 27th with a physical interactive talk bringing awareness and resolution to parenting conflicts relating to cultural, generational, and language gaps between parents and their children. The speaker of the event, Dr. Cynthia ADom-Portuphy brings 25 years of experience in youth ministry, particularly with Black immigrant parents and multi-cultural couples.
When: Saturday, January 27th
Where: 15996 84th Avenue, Surrey
Cost: Free admission
Black in BC: Celebrating Black Excellence
From 3 to 7 pm on Thursday, February 1st, the Surrey Art Gallery & Surrey Civic Theatres is hosting a free event with inspirational speakers, food, music, and dance – bringing over 200 people together to celebrate the talent, cultures, and achievements of black communities in Canada.
When: Thursday, February 1st
Where: 13750 88 Avenue, Surrey
Cost: Free admission
Black History Month at VIFF
In honour of Black History Month, the Vancouver International Film Festival (VIFF) is introducing a new series celebrating Black filmmakers and artists.
From February 2nd to 7th, visitors can check out a film record of Vancouver’s historic Hogan’s Alley, along with two inspiring international films (selected by director Jamila Pomeroy): Boots Riley’s Sorry to Bother You, and Suhaib Gasmelbari’s Talking About Trees.
As well, visitors can catch a free screening of Mighty Jerome – an inspiring documentary paying tribute to the late Charles Officer every Thursday this month.
When: Friday, February 2nd to 7th, and every Thursday this February
Where: 1181 Seymour Street
Cost: Tickets vary
Black History Month at Pacific Arts Market
The Pacific Arts Market is celebrating Black History Month from February 3rd to February 25th with a special (nearly) month-long event honouring the amazing work of black artists in Vancouver.
Each weekend, organizers have planned a mix of art exhibitions, poetry readings, live music performances, workshops, and thought-provoking talks.
When: Saturday, February 3rd to February 25th
Where: 1448 West Broadway
Cost: $22.63
VMF Winter Arts Festival
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The VMF Winter Arts Festival is taking place in Vancouver and Victoria this February, and it will feature a ton of public art, live performances, pop-up dance parties, and more – all by a variety of local artists.
Winter Arts Festival transcends boundaries, taking art beyond gallery walls and into the heart of urban environments, infusing city spaces with the magic of sculptures, projection mapping, augmented reality (AR), and live performances.
When: February 16th to 19th and February 22nd to 27th
Where: Victoria and Vancouver
AFAM African Fashion Week
Celebrating Black history and excellence shouldn’t be confined to just one month, which is why we’re including this year’s AFAM African Fashion Week. There will be a variety of designers participating in the show, alongside live performances from local artists. Stay tuned for more info as it becomes available, including the specific dates for the 2024 Fashion Week.
When: TBA this February
Where: 162 West 1st Avenue, #203
Take a free class at VPL
In addition to an official Black History Month Celebration on Saturday, February 10th, visitors at the VPL can participate in multiple free events and workshops honouring the lived experiences of black communities. For starters, there’s Morgan Campbell’s “My Fighting Family” on Monday, February 12th and a “Virtual Tween Book Club” on Thursday, February 22nd.
Where: See our picks above
Support Black-owned businesses
Black Business Global
Before we jump into some local businesses in Vancouver, we thought we’d share this global directory, which lists hundreds of Black-owned businesses in BC, making it easy to navigate to any business or service you might be looking for. From restaurants to home decor – it’s all there.
Sade Thomas Nutrition
As we all know, Vancouver is a healthy city. And so holistic nutritionists help a lot of people keep up the hard work of remaining healthy. So if you’re looking for a holistic nutritionist we highly recommend checking out Sade, especially if you’re wanting to deepen your knowledge of gut health.
Akeem Therapy
And while we’re on the topic of all things health and nutrition, we have to also mention Akeem Pierre. He has Rich Sol Foods which offers high-grade healing products from St. Lucia and also offers healing retreats in St. Lucia.
Tori Katongo Movement
If you’ve always wanted to dip your toes into Vancouver’s cycle scene, Tori Katongo happens to be a soul cycle instructor with her own studio.
DyerFitness Inc.
And back on the topic of fitness, Johny Daniel is the owner and coach at DyerFitness Inc. And his training space focuses on CrossFit. So he is another great option if you’re looking for someone to help you on your fitness journey.
Kula Kitchen
Not only does Kula Kitchen have amazing Afro-Vegan food but they also have one of the most comprehensive lists of black-owned businesses in Vancouver in their story tab. So we highly recommend you try their food and they have multiple options like meal prep, catering, and retail. And they deliver for free!
Karibu Handcrafted Soaps
The name is pretty self-explanatory but Karibu makes beautiful handcrafted soaps from natural and local ingredients.
Farafena
This brand is a local brand that offers “naturally grown & direct-traded superfoods from Africa.”And their products are available at Loblaw, Whole Foods, Choices, Urban Fare & SaveOn. So be sure to look for Farafena products next time you’re doing a grocery run.
Organizations & resources
We think Canadian author Wayde Compton said it best: “There has been a Black community in Vancouver since before there was a Vancouver.” These community organizations not only serve to fill gaps in our knowledge, but help create stronger connections between diffierent communities.
Black Business Association of BC
This non-profit raises funds to help support small Black-owned businesses throughout the province, hosting an array of programs and community events to help strengthen Black entrepreneurship in Canada.
Resilience BC Anti-Racism Network
This network connects communities across the province with information, support, and training they need to combat racism in their own communities. On the website, you’ll find a mix of educational resources, outreach tools, and incident response protocols.
Vancouver Black Library
Last year, the Vancouver Black Library opened in the historic Hogan’s Alley in Strathcona thanks to the tireless efforts of Vancouver’s BIPOC community and beyond. In addition to brushing up on your knowledge of Hogan’s Alley, visitors can check out upcoming open mic nights and plenty of other fun social events.
Keep an eye out on their socials for more info on Black individuals and families in Vancouver in need this month, as the library has organized an e-transfer process through which funds will be distributed directly to those facing hardships.
Vancouver Black Therapy & Advocacy Foundation
This foundation connects participants with advocates and covers service fees so participants can access mental health care from Black service providers. Mental health resources and mutual aid are available under their “Resources” section – so be sure to check that out if you’re looking to support others financially, or seeking aid yourself.
Healing in Colour
This Vancouver-based organization offers a directory of BIPOC therapists and allied professionals to help support healing within the community. As well, their website lists various community resources, podcasts, and articles.
And there you have it. Just a few ways that you can commemorate Black History Month in Vancouver. Now it’s time to plan ahead, see a show, learn something new, and donate to a cause. Happy February!
