February is Black History Month, an opportunity to honour, celebrate, and reflect on the experiences and stories of Black Canadians.
On the BC Black History Awareness Society website, there are a number of opportunities to listen and learn:
- History of anti-Black Racism in Canadian Schools and Universities with Dr. June Francis: on Saturday, Feb 5, 1:30 to 3 pm (Livestream) will explore “the ways in which the history of Canadian educational institutions have contributed to persistent and contemporary anti-black racism in the educational system.”
- A conversation with Dr. Cornel West Being a Hope Amid Crisis: Wednesday, Feb 16, 5 to 6 pm (Livestream) focuses on “economics, democracy, racial justice and Black identity.”
Nationally, the Government of Canada is hosting a virtual celebration on Facebook Live on Feb. 17, 7 pm EST (4 pm PST) with performances, tributes, interviews, and more.
You can also find online and print resources for adults and children through the Vancouver Island Regional Libraries (VIRL).
Last year, the Comox Valley Lifelong Learning Centre celebrated Black/African Canadians with a poster campaign in the windows of Courtenay businesses. You can visit https://www.cvllc.ca/black-history-month to view the posters and profiles.
Do you have a local community Black History Month event in the Comox Valley or Campbell River to share? Please email us at info@immigrantwelcome.ca