Black History Month 2025 on Vancouver Island

o Date: Saturday, February 1, 2025
o Time: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
o Location: KWENCH, 2031 Store Street, Victoria, BC
o Details: Kick off the month with an evening of music by Locrian Tones and culinary delights from House of Boateng. Learn about upcoming events and initiatives from the BC Black History Awareness Society.

Organized by: BC Black History Awareness Society

o Date: Sunday, February 16, 2025
o Time: 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
o Location: Baumann Centre at Pacific Opera Victoria, Victoria, BC
o Details: The 1st annual BCBHAS Tribute to our Elders & Mentors, honoring those who have paved the way for future generations.

Organized by: BC Black History Awareness Society

o Date: Sunday, February 23, 2025
o Time: 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
o Location: 1495 Fairfield Road, Victoria, BC
o Details: Explore the history of Black pioneers in British Columbia with a guided tour of Ross Bay Cemetery.

Organized by: BC Black History Awareness Society

o Date: Monday, February 24, 2025
o Time: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
o Location: Belfry Theatre, Victoria, BC
o Details: Celebrate the power of music and words with performances by Noedy Hechavarria Duharte on saxophone, accompanied by Miguelito Valdes on trumpet, Ken Lister on bass, and Cyril Lojda on drums.

Organized by: BC Black History Awareness Society

o Date: Saturday, February 22, 2025
o Time: 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
o Location: Bowen Park Complex, 500 Bowen Road, Nanaimo, BC
o Details: Celebrate 25 years of Black History Month events with an evening gala featuring live music, dance performances, and a dinner honoring Black excellence in the community.

Organized by: Nanaimo African Heritage Society

Black History Month on Vancouver Island is much more than a look back at the past—it’s a celebration of:
Cultural Continuity: Emphasizing “Black continuity” and the connection between historical pioneers and present-day Black communities.
Resilience and Innovation: Recognizing how Black settlers overcame systemic barriers to build thriving communities that continue to shape the region.
Community Empowerment: Providing a platform for Black voices, inspiring younger generations, and fostering social and economic inclusion.

Across Vancouver Island, a variety of events unite residents in celebration and education:
Museum Exhibitions & Heritage Tours: Institutions like the Royal BC Museum host events that explore the rich archival history of Black pioneers, showcasing photographs, artifacts, and personal narratives.
Cultural Festivals & Public Forums: Organizations such as the BC Black History Awareness Society organize community gatherings, panel discussions, and commemorative events that highlight Black contributions to local history and culture.
Educational Workshops: Local schools, universities, and community centers offer programs and lectures that delve into topics ranging from the early settlement of Black pioneers to contemporary issues of racial justice.
Art and Performance Events: From film screenings at VIFF to live poetry readings and dance performances in community galleries, the arts serve as a dynamic medium for storytelling and cultural expression.

Art has long been a catalyst for reflection and change. On Vancouver Island:
Live Music and Dance: Concerts featuring jazz, reggae, and spoken word poetry celebrate the unique rhythms of Black culture, creating spaces of communal healing and creative expression.
Theatrical Productions and Exhibitions: Local artists reinterpret historical narratives through immersive performances and exhibitions, ensuring that the stories of Black pioneers and contemporary experiences are never forgotten.
Public Art Installations: Murals and public displays, such as those commemorating Vancouver’s historic Hogan’s Alley, transform urban spaces into vibrant reminders of the region’s Black heritage.

Black-owned businesses and entrepreneurial ventures on Vancouver Island contribute to the region’s economic vitality while preserving cultural traditions. Whether it’s a family-run restaurant serving African and Caribbean cuisines or boutique stores showcasing handmade crafts, these enterprises are not only economic engines but also cultural ambassadors that enrich the community fabric.

Throughout Black History Month, several symbols resonate deeply:
Pan-African Colors (red, green, gold): Representing unity, heritage, and hope.
The Raised Fist: A timeless emblem of resistance and solidarity.
The Sankofa Bird: Reminding us to learn from the past in order to build a better future.

These motifs serve as visual anchors that link historical struggles to contemporary aspirations.

1- IKBLC : Black History Month 2025 - ikblc.ubc.ca
2- Mosaic BC : Black History Month Events in Metro Vancouver 2025 - MOSAIC
3- skilledtradesbc.ca : Black History Month | SkilledTradesBC
4- Creative BC : Celebrate Black History Month 2025 with B.C.'s Creative Industries
5- BC Government News : Premier's, minister's, parliamentary secretaries' statements on Black ...
6- Simon Fraser University : Black History Month 2025 - Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
7- createastir.ca : Vancouver arts groups mark Black History Month/Black Futures Month
8- VIU Blogs : Black History Month at VIU | Vancouver Island University | Canada
9- VIRL : Black History Month - Vancouver Island Regional Library
10- bcblackhistory.ca : Black History Month 2025 - BC Black History Awareness Society
11- bcblackhistory.ca : BC Black History Awareness Society – Our roots run deep
12- bcblackhistory.ca : Black History and Heritage Day
13- City of Vancouver : Black History Month | City of Vancouver
14- Eventbrite : AVC: Black History Walking Tour 2025 - Eventbrite
15- gov.viu.ca : February is Black History Month - Vancouver Island University
16- Canada.ca : Significant events in Black history in Canada
17- Royal BC Museum : BC Black History & Heritage Day | Royal BC Museum and Archives
18- DCRS : Black in BC: Celebrating Black Excellence 2025