Hello, Vancouver! We’re sure you’re already well aware that February is Black History Month. But, do you know how to make the most of it? While Black folks and their contributions to the world should not be relegated to a single month, it’s important that we share all the initiatives going on this February. After all, they’re all worth experiencing.
Here are some great events and options in Vancouver during Black History Month.
Everywhere We Are
VIFF has returned with another roundup of Black history films to check out this month. The topics run the gamut, from recent dramas like Queen & Slim to powerful documentaries covering Black history and events in Canada.
When: February 5th to March 4
Where: Online
Cost: $20 for a 3-pack of movies
Give Them Their Flowers
Sponsored by the City of Vancouver, Give Them Their Flowers celebrates Black residents and organizations that have positively affected the city. Explore 10 selections and how they’re impacting the city. Then, check out voice recordings of their hopes for Black Vancouver.
When: On throughout February
Where: Online
Cost: Free
Black Art Matters
Hosted by the Vancouver Art Gallery, Black Art Matters is a series of talks between guest curator Nya Lewis and BIPOC artists featured in the current exhibition Where do we go from here? The talks will be streamed live on Instagram. We also suggest heading down to the VAG to check out the exhibition while you can.
When: February 4th through February 11th
Where: Online
Cost: Free
Stratagem: Black Queer Futures
With the first conference happening in 2019, Stratagem is the newest name on this list. Join them throughout the month for series of virtual talks and workshops, focusing on the experiences of Black LBGTQ2S+ folks.
When: On until February 27th
Where: Online
Cost: $196 for full access, with a discounted price of $28.92 available for Black folks
Related Posts:
A new spot dishing up wild vegan sausages is now in Vancouver!
The regional parks in Metro Vancouver just had a record-breaking year
BC Black History Awareness Society- Black History Month
This society has been furthering the visibility, understanding, and recognition of Black culture in the province for over 25 years. This month, they’re hosting 5 online events, including talks, musical performances, and virtual tours.
When: February 7th to February 26th
Where: Online
Cost: Free
Black (in)Visibility: Black Nurses in Canada who Paved the Way
Partly hosted by UBC’s School of Nursing, this panel presentation will explore the contribution of Black nurses throughout BC’s history. We’ve actually never learned about this before, so this is one of our top picks this month. Plus, it’s been a crazy year for nurses in general, and the healthcare system has long been racialized. Our interest is piqued.
When: February 25th
Where: Online
Cost: Free
Us: A Black Peoples Month Festival
Hosted by the Ensemble Theatre Company, Us is an online arts festival featuring ‘theatre, films, podcasts and staged readings from the diaspora’. All of the events will be free to access, and they cover a wide range of topics.
When: On until February 25th
Where: Online
Cost: Free
The Cultch Presents: Mx
Returning since its debut at the Vancouver Fringe Festival in 2019, this powerful tale explores ‘what it means to be Black and mixed-race in the world today’. Now available for the first time as a livestream performance, this is your chance to check out an amazing play.
When: February 18th to February 24th
Where: Online
Cost: $29
And that’s our roundup of events and festivals to check out during Black History Month in Vancouver this year. If we missed anything you know about, please share it with us!
