B.C.’s Creative Sector Honours and Celebrates Black History Month 2024

February marks Black History Month, a time dedicated to learning, honouring, and reflecting upon the past and future of Black communities in British Columbia and worldwide. The creative industries are actively participating by celebrating, amplifying stories, initiating actions, and offering resources. These endeavours aim to foster unity and advocate for a diverse and equitable future for both established and emerging creatives.

Events

Black in BC: Celebrating Black Excellence
February 1, 2024 | 3:00 PM | Surrey Arts Centre | 13750 88 Avenue, Surrey
A DIVERSEcity signature event in the City of Surrey to learn, connect, and celebrate. This free event features inspirational speakers, food, music, and dance, bringing attendees together to celebrate Black talent, cultures, and achievements in Canada, while creating space for connection and learning. 

Marcus Mosely: A Gospel Concert
February 1, 2024 | 7:00 PM | Vancouver Central Library | 350 West Georgia St.
The Vancouver Public Library invites everyone to join in kicking off Black History Month with a gospel concert featuring the acclaimed artist, Marcus Mosely. Marcus will be performing a selection of gospel songs and providing insights into how this music narrates a pivotal part of Black Canadian History. 

A New Chapter, Film Series Curated by the Vancouver International Film Festival (VIFF)
February 2 – 7, 2024  | VIFF Centre – Vancity Theatre | 1181 Seymour Street
Curated by Jamila Pomeroy, the A New Chapter film series will feature screenings of UNION STREET, SORRY TO BOTHER YOU, and TALKING ABOUT TREES.

A Tribute to Charles Officer: MIGHTY JEROME
February 4, 2024 | 4:00 PM | VIFF Centre – Vancity Theatre | 1181 Seymour Street
Helmed by the late, renowned Canadian filmmaker Charles Officer and produced by Selwyn Jacob for the National Film Board (NFB), MIGHTY JEROME unfolds the captivating narrative of Harry Jerome, North Vancouver’s extraordinary track and field sensation, encompassing his rise, fall, and redemption as Canada’s record-setting star. Join VIFF for a special tribute to Charles Officer, including a complimentary screening of MIGHTY JEROME, with introductions from Selwyn Jacob. Additionally, MIGHTY JEROME is now accessible for free streaming on NFB.ca. 

The Revolution Will Not Be Televised
February 6, 2024 | 6:30 PM | The Rio | 1660 East Broadway, Vancouver
Preview the upcoming documentary Seattle Black Panthers Fight for Justice & Freedom followed by a discussion with Director Rick DuPree and Elmer Dixon, Co-Founder of the Seattle Chapter of the Black Panther Party.

Celebrating Black Futures Opening Celebration featuring the Feven Kidane Sextet
February 8, 2024 | 6:30 PM | VIFF Centre – Vancity Theatre | 1181 Seymour Street
The Vancouver Art Gallery, in collaboration with VIFF, presents Celebrating Black Futures, a film series curated by Kika Memeh and Tom Charity. The series explores the future of Black and African cinema, offering contemporary insights into the diverse cultures of Africa, African America, the Caribbean, and Black Canada. The month-long program kicks off on Thursday, February 8, with an evening of live jazz by the Feven Kidane Sextet at VIFF, followed by a screening of the documentary MAX ROACH: THE DRUM ALSO WALTZES (2023) by Sam Pollard and Ben Shapiro. 

The Celebrating Black Futures Film Series at the VIFF Centre also features: 

• February 15, 2024 | 6:30 PM | ALL THE COLOURS OF THE WORLD ARE BETWEEN BLACK AND WHITE 
• February 22, 2024 | 7:00 & 8:15 PM | Short Film Showcase  
• February 29, 2024 | 6:30 PM | WHEN MORNING COMES 

SOFAR Sounds (Songs From A Room) Black History Month Show
February 22, 2024  | 7:30 PM | Exact location in Vancouver TBC
Little can be told about this show, as is the trick with SOFAR Sounds, which puts on one-of-a-kind concerts in different venues around the city. They unveil event specifics—like lineup and exact location—just 36 hours before each show. All we know: this Black History Month-themed show promises a lot of local talent. 

Pages on Stage: A Black Storytelling Event
February 24, 2024 | 1:00 PM | VPL’s Central Library | 350 West Georgia Street, Vancouver
In partnership with QMUNITY, this Vancouver Public Library event features queer, Black storytellers who will take the stage to share stories. The event promises that “each storyteller will weave a narrative exploring the intersections of their identity, offering the audience the nuances of the Black queer experience.” 

Initiatives

• Follow along with Black Van Club on their social channels to discover Black artists performing throughout Metro Vancouver this February. 
• Celebrate Canadian perspectives from Black filmmakers with the NFB and their Focus on Black Filmmakers collection.   
• Explore the NFB’s new playlist for Black History Month 2024 titled, Abroad: Africa on Screen. Featuring 26 NFB films crafted across Africa, this collection sheds light on the continent, its people, arts, culture, and explores Canadian intersections with Africa throughout the years. 
• Check out do604’s and do250’s curation of events honouring Black stories, and celebrating Black excellence – past, present, and future.
  

Resources

• Black Screen Office – Being Counted  
• Black Screen Office – Being Heard   
• Black Screen Office – Being Seen   
• Black Screen Office Workforce Career Accelerator  
• Black-owned Bookstores in Canada   
• BSO-DGC Black Women Directors Accelerator  
• Creative People Directories   
• National Film Board of Canada | Celebrating Black History Month     
• Vancouver Public Library | Black History Month   
• VIFF | Black History Month

Organizations

• ADVANCE Canada’s Black Music Collective  
• BC Black History Awareness Society  
• Black Screen Office  
• CultureBrew.Art  
• Hogan’s Alley Society 
• Vancouver Black Film Festival   

Watch this space for all upcoming events, resources, and initiatives that will be rolling out for February.