Learning From Diversity - Black History Month Events in Vancouver
Vancouver is a diverse city where people from all cultures come together. Black history in our city dates back to colonial times. Black Vancouverites have built a solid community over the years despite discrimination and adversity. Each February our city recognizes Black History Month as a time to celebrate and learn about Black culture.
Black History Month Events
Celebrating Black Futures at the Vancouver Art Gallery
The Vancouver Art Gallery is running a month-long program called Celebrating Black Futures that focuses on the intersection of art, music, literature, and film. The event schedule kicks off with a hi-fi listening session at the Art Gallery led by Hafiz Akinlusi on February 6. Audience participation is encouraged and event tickets include admission to the Firelei Báez exhibition on the second floor of the gallery. Her work explores the legacy of colonialism and the African diaspora.
Other events include a sound bath with Courtenay Mayes on February 18, a library talk with Erica Cardwell and Nya Lewis on February 21, and film screenings in partnership with the Vancouver International Film Festival on February 10 and 16.
Black History Month at the Vancouver Public Library
From music to movies to books to fashion, the Vancouver Public Library has lots of options for Black History Month events for all ages. Families will enjoy the Black History Month Celebration on February 22 at the Central Library. It includes storytelling and music performances geared at kids under 5.
Visit the Central Library on February 15 to enjoy a preview of the upcoming African Fashion Week Vancouver at the Heritage in Motion fashion show. You can also take part in a short story reading group on February 11, listen to spoken word poetry on February 12, and watch films in partnership with the Afro-Latinx Cineclub on February 19 and 26, among other events.
Vancouver International Film Festival Black History Month Events
The Vancouver International Film Festival is celebrating Black History Month with film screenings and events all month long, some of which are in partnership with the Vancouver Art Gallery and African Cinema Now. In addition to contemporary African cinema, you can also enjoy live musical performances from Jay Douglas, Feven Kidane & Tiny Pyraminds, and Quincy Mayes Brazilian Soul Experience.
Black History Walking Tour of Vancouver
Dive into Vancouver's past on the Black History Walking Tour of Vancouver on Saturdays in February. Led by Kor Kase, co-founder of Afro Van Connect, the 45-minute tour through the Strathcona neighbourhood includes the history of Vancouver's Black Pioneers like Joe Fortes, Jimi Hendrix, and more.
Black in BC: Celebrating Black Excellence
The free Black in BC: Celebrating Black Excellence event on February 7th features inspirational speakers, food, music and dance in a celebration at the Surrey Art Gallery. Enjoy a keynote speech by poet Elliott Slinn, music and dance by Ndidi Cascade, the Black Brilliance Awards, and more.
Reel Causes Presents A Night of Obsidian
Head to the Rio Theatre on February 6 for A Night of Obsidian, curated by Natasha Tony. The evening showcases local Black filmmakers, creators and musicians. Enjoy films, music, poetry, and art. Featured artists and performers include singers Dawn Pemberton and Khari Wendell McClelland, visual artist Wayne Dunkley, and directors Jamila Pomeroy, Ilhan Abdullahi, Brendan Riley, and Ivanna Samuel.
Sankofa: Return to Joy
Join the Hogan's Alley Society to celebrate Black history and Black futures at the Sankofa: Return to Joy event at the Britannia Community Centre on February 8. Hosted by Acacia Gray, the evening honours Black culture, history, and resilience through dance, music, food, and community.
Celebrating Black History and Culture Year-Round
Read About Black History and Culture
Make reading about Black history and culture a year-round activity. Many local organizations have great reading lists. The Vancouver Art Gallery has put together a reading list as part of their Celebrating Black Futures programming. Curated by Nonstikelelo Mutiti, it highlights Black and African literature, poetry and art writing.
The Vancouver Public Library also has a 2025 Black History Month reading list that explores the history of Black people around the world with a focus on Canada.
You can also visit the Vancouver Black Library on Keefer Street near Gore Avenue. They have a collection of works by BIPOC writers and also serve as a community hub for events.
Support Black Community Organizations
You can support the Black community in Vancouver by donating your money or your time to several organizations doing support and advocacy work.
The Hogan's Alley Society is a Black-led non-profit that is working to develop Afrocentric affordable housing and redevelop historic Hogan's Alley.
Black Women Connect Vancouver brings Black women together to build relationships and offer support. They organize events and conferences for women and girls.
The BC Community Alliance is a Black-led community organization working to address inequities in BC's schools created by racism, especially anti-Black racism.
Colour the Trails focuses on improving access to outdoor activities for members of the BIPOC community.
Afro Van Connect empowers Black and African youth through mentorship programs, workshops, community events, artistic collaborations, and advocacy and support services.
Support Black-Owned Businesses
Vancouver has a strong network of Black-owned businesses. You can use the Black Business Global directory to find Black-owned businesses near you with their interactive map.