Black History Month 2015 in Victoria BC
A Black History and Heritage Day (February 15th), an evening of performance and song (February 23 at the Belfry Theatre), a gala awards night (February 28th at the Copper Owl), a cemetery tour (February 22nd) and three presentations make up the very ambitious schedule in celebration of BC Black History Month February 2015 in Victoria.
Many people are not even aware of the significant role black citizens played in the establishment of the City of Victoria – including the founding of a precursor to the Victoria Police Department; nor that they were some of the first settlers and farmers on Salt Spring Island.
Many events are by donation. All events at the Greater Victoria Public Library require pre-registration. (information below).
Congratulations to the BC Black History Awareness Society, the Victoria African and Caribbean Cultural Society and the African Heritage Society, and their community partners, for the excellent programming highlighting the contributions of the black community, both historically and present day.
Black History Month Kick-Off (website)
Saturday, January 31, 11:00 am-3:00pm
Central Branch, Greater Victoria Public Library 735 Broughton St.
Kick-off Black History Month at the library. Chat with members of the BC Black History Awareness Society, the Victoria African and Caribbean Cultural Society, and the African Heritage Society. Between 12:00pm -1:00pm, join us for African hand drumming in the courtyard. African snacks will be available for purchase. No registration required. FREE.
Underground Railroad: Adam’s Journey to the Promised Land (website)
Saturday, February 7, 2:30 pm
Central Saanich Branch, Greater Victoria Public Library,1209 Clarke Rd.Brentwood Bay
While the earliest Black Pioneers of BC came to Victoria by ship from California, others came to Canada by a much more difficult and dangerous route called “The Underground Railroad”. Presented by the BC Black History Awareness Society. Registration required.
Register at gvpl.ca or call 250-940-GVPL (4875) for more information. Free.
BC Black History and Heritage Day
Sunday February 15th
Talk by John Lutz, James Bay New Horizons 1:30-4:30 by donation
Presenting the work of Grafton Tyler Brown, the coast’s first graphic designer
Black Pioneers of the Area(website)
Saturday, February 21, 2:00 pm
Esquimalt Branch, Greater Victoria Public Library 1231 Esquimalt Rd.
Karen Hoshal, past president of the BC Black History Awareness Society and a descendant of the Alexander pioneer family, provides information on a number of other BC Black pioneers. Karen’s presentation includes visuals and displays. Presented by the BC Black History Awareness Society.
Register at gvpl.ca or call 250-940-GVPL (4875) for more information. Free.
Ross Bay Cemetary Tour with Valin Marshall and John Adams
Sunday February 22nd 2-3:30pm rain or shine
Ross Bay Cemetary Tour with Valin Marshall and John Adams
Visit the graves of many of Victoria’s black pioneers
Meet at Oregano’s in the Fairfield Plaza. $5 $2 OCS and BCBHAS members
Chance Lovett Quartet and Justin Carter
Monday, February 23, 7:00 pm
Belfry Theatre, 1291 Gladstone Ave.
(website)
Back by popular demand, songstress Chance Lovett will be joined by Nicholas Mintenko (bass), Sean Thompson (drums), and Dakota Hoeppner (keyboard) to perform a soulful set of gospel, jazz, and blues in celebration of Black History Month. Justin Carter, well known for his one-man monologue play “Son of Africville”, will open the evening with a special performance.
For more information please call the Belfry Theatre at (250) 385-6815.
This event is co-sponsored by the BC Black History Awareness Society, the Greater Victoria Public Library, and the Belfry Theatre. No registration required.
Admission by donation.
Community Recognition Awards Gala Black History Month
Saturday February 28, 2015
The Copper Owl Lounge (Paul’s Motor Inn) 1900 Douglas Street
4:30pm to 8:00pm with dance to follow 9:30pm-2:00am
Admission: $10
Visit Website | Send Email
About @lacouvee
Speak Your Mind