Black History Month is a time to educate and celebrate.
Those wanting to commemorate and learn more about Black culture, Black history, and Vancouver's Black community can check out these events and festivals around town.
Vancouver Mural Festival: Winter Arts
The winter version of the popular summer mural festival will include several Black History Month themed events, such as a rave, art exhibit, and poetry slam. Look out for these events celebrating Vancouver's Black community.
VMF After Dark x Afroqueer YVR: Black Rave
This late-night party is an ode to Black underground dance culture and music and features an all-woman DJ lineup and drag performances. Allies and supporters are welcome.
When: Feb. 17, 9:30 p.m.-2:30 a.m.
Where: Bentall Centre Gallery - 555 Burrard St
Cost: $22-27
This art exhibit displays the joy, warmth, and talent of Black artists across Metro Vancouver. The exhibit will also have live music ranging from acoustic artists to bands to a DJ.
When: Feb. 19, 1-10 p.m.
Where: Vancouver Mural Festival Winter Arts Hub - 850 W Georgia St
Cost: Free
Periodt: Black Queer Poetry Slam
This poetry and storytelling event aims to amplify, celebrate, and illuminate the unique intersections that Black-Indigi-Queer folks bring to community in commemoration of Black History Month. The event is co-presented by VMF Winter Arts and Vancouver's winter Pride festival.
When: Feb. 23, 7-10 p.m.
Where: Vancouver Mural Festival Winter Arts Hub - 850 W Georgia St
Cost: Free
VanCity Soul Skate
Rolla Skate Club's weekly skate party will feature a Black History Month series all through February to celebrate the connection between Black communities and rollerskating. Each night starts with a skate-themed film screening and ends with a funky night of music and rollerskating.
When: Feb. 5, 12, 19, 26
Where: Rollerland at the PNE - 21 Renfrew St
Cost: $18; non-skating tickets cost $12
African Fashion Week Vancouver
This fashion week includes a runway show, art and dance performances, and a marketplace featuring African fashion designers. The event will also present awards to notable talent.
When: March 18
Where: BMO Theatre Centre, Arts Club Theatre Company - 162 W 1st Ave
Cost: $60
Black History Month Celebration Pop Up Market
This annual pop-up market is bringing together artists, vendors, and small businesses from Vancouver's BIPOC and Afrocentric artist community. Take a peek at the vendors here.
When: Feb. 11, 11 a.m.
Where: The Beaumont Studios - 316 W 5th Ave
Cost: entry is by donation
Visible by Kendall Gender
Vancouver's drag queen superstar Kendall Gender is hosting a drag show celebrating local Black talent. The night will feature a lineup of Black performers, artists, and creators.
When: Feb. 20, 9 p.m.
Where: Junction - 1138 Davie St
Cost: $18
Queer Hip Hop Dance Party: BHM edition
This dance party celebrates Black queer and transgender artists, featuring a music lineup of Black performers and DJs.
When: Feb. 11, 9:30 p.m.-2 a.m.
Where: Eastside Studios - 550 Malkin Ave
Cost: $17
The History of Hogan's Alley
The Vancouver Police Museum and Archives is kicking off its "Hidden Histories" series with a dive into the origins of Hogan's Alley. Author Wayde Compton and historian John Atkin will unravel myths and histories of the neighbourhood and its importance to Black identity in Vancouver.
When: Feb. 18, 4:30-6 p.m.
Where: Vancouver Police Museum & Archives - 240 E Cordova St
Cost: $20
Black History Month at VIFF Centre
The theatre is holding a month-long celebration of Black folks in film. VIFF Centre will be screening two series; one will spotlight American movie stars such as Denzel Washington and Viola Davis, and the other will highlight documentaries, ideas, and social justice films.
Where: VIFF Centre - 1181 Seymour St
U.E.L. Meet the Vendor
Black Business Association of BC is holding a month-long "Meet the Vendor" event at its Granville Island store which features Black-owned B.C.-based businesses.
Where: U.E.L. - 1666 Johnston St
Mother Africa
Vancouver artist Angel Strehlen will be unveiling a new collection of paintings showcasing the beauty of pre-colonial African women. The collection is a celebration of the strength, resilience and individuality of African women, and a testament to the rich cultural heritage of the continent. This will be her first solo show since 2013.
When: Feb. 23, 6-9 p.m.
Where: Chali Rosso Gallery - 999 Canada Pl
Cost: Free to attend
As We Rise
The exhibition features over 100 photographs from the Wedge Collection – Canada’s largest privately owned collection committed to championing Black artists. The photographs showcase African diasporic culture from both sides of the Atlantic.
When: Feb. 24-May 14
Where: The Polygon Gallery
Cost: Admission by donation
Black Futures Month Celebration
This night of musical performances, including dancehall, reggae, hip hop, R&B, and Afrobeats genres, celebrates local and global Black music and culture.
When: Feb. 9, 8-11 p.m.
Where: Calabash Bistro - 428 Carrall St
Cost: $12
Black Liberation Workshop
This workshop aims to create a safe and supportive space for BIWOC folks and womxn allies to collectively reflect on systemic racism through art and storytelling. The event will be led by anti-racism educator Njoki.
When: Feb. 23, 5:30-7 p.m.
Where: The Garden Strathcona - 868 East Hastings St
Cost: $20
