February is Black History Month — a time where we celebrate the many achievements that Black Canadians have contributed to Canada’s history and culture. The 2022 theme for Black History Month is: February and Forever: Celebrating Black History today and every day.
In 2020, we worked alongside Art Roots & Culture (ARC) CommUNITY to present the Wild Imagination, a nature-based arts project supporting community resilience. This intergenerational project centered the creativity and agency of Black children and let them explore nourishing relationships to land, each other, and their own imaginations. We’re excited to see ARC continue to grow as they expand their community and educational programs with an Afrocentric and Indigenous focus for children and families. They’re currently fundraising for their new space and you can support them on their Gofundme campaign.
Here at CACV, we provide programs that encourage participation and collaboration with diverse communities and seek to connect and strengthen the communities where we work. We look forward to continuing our work in 2022! Listed below are organizations within our community who we all can consciously learn from, participate with, and support this month:
LEARN
The British Columbia Black History Awareness Society (BCBHAS) creates awareness of the history of Blacks in B.C., and celebrates historical and contemporary achievements and contributions in the arts, education, government, sports, science etc. Learn more
The BC Black History Timeline covers events in B.C. as well as some significant events in Canada, the United States and/or globally that had/is having an effect on Black settlement in BC and the experiences of Blacks in BC.
Explore the timeline
Challenging ‘Racist’ British Columbia: 150 Years and Counting
This resource allows Individuals, educators, and policymakers to amplify the diversity of voices and experiences in our movement and pathway forward. Co-authored by activists & scholars from diverse communities, this resource will assist anti-racist educators, teachers, scholars, and policymakers.
Read the digital version here
PARTICIPATE
VIFF presents a FREE online event – Spotlight on The Porter
Not only Canada’s biggest Black-led series, The Porter also boasts the first all-Black writer’s room. Telling a story of empowerment and idealism, it spotlights the turning point when Canadian and American railway workers united to give rise to the world’s first Black union.
Monday, February 28, 2022 at 4:00 PM
Register for Free
Dynamic Diasporas at VMF Winter Arts Hub is a visual storytelling and dance project by Doaa Magdy. This project highlights BC’s Black history by bringing archives to life and through dance on stage.
Learn more
The Black Strathcona Resurgence Project (BSRP) endeavours to be a part of the ongoing process of reclaiming Black visibility in Strathcona, an area historically populated by Vancouver’s Black community. The project had the goal of reclaiming visibility and reconciling the erasure and systemic racism endured over time by Black people in Vancouver.
Download the printable Mural Map
Art Roots & Culture (ARC) CommUNITY welcomes you on a virtual tour of their new home. Does someone you know want to join our inspired crew of learners? Does someone you know need a space on evenings or weekends to make their own project possible? Get in touch! info@arccommunity.ca
SUPPORT
Art Roots & Culture (ARC) CommUNITY was birthed from a love of community & a strong desire for children to have knowledge of self through culturally relevant and responsive education. ARC prioritizes land and arts-based education that foregrounds ways of connecting and building collaborative communities of care. Support Today
The Black Lives Matter Vancouver chapter is a cause that supports the organizing work of black folks and allies in undoing systemic racialized violence. Support Today
Hogan’s Alley Society advocates for Black Vancouverites who have endured the legacies of urban renewal and their erasure from the official historical narrative. Through these initiatives they hope to build the capacity of racialized and marginalized communities to participate in city building.Support Today
Vancouver Black Library is just what you’d imagine – a Library ran by Black organizers, dedicated for Black and BIPOC community members. This is a space to not only sign out books for free, it is intended to be used as a study space, a chill space, and a safe space. Support Today