Explainer: Black History Month events to attend around KPU
Events are happening all month throughout the Lower Mainland, celebrating Black culture, people, and history
File art by @RESLUS
Each February, people across Canada celebrate the legacy of Black accomplishments, community, culture, and history during Black History Month.
The theme this year is “Black Excellence: A Heritage to Celebrate; a Future to Build.” From poetry readings to art exhibits, a hip-hop battle, and so much more, here are a few budget-friendly events to check out throughout the month of February.
Celebrate | Black History Month 2024
When: Feb. 21 from 7:30 to 9:30 pm
Where: Lululemon in Guildford Town Centre, Surrey
Cost: Free
This is a celebration featuring keynote speaker Shaka Fonderson from Beyond The Game, an organization that focuses on mindset coaching for athletes, who will take the stage sharing his personal insights and experiences. The event will also include a special “Limbo For All” performance by limbo performer King Fish, along with a pop-up shop by locally owned Black business A&T Apothecary. There will also be a raffle to win exclusive products with all proceeds going to the Vancouver Black Therapy & Advocacy Foundation, which aims to break barriers for equitable access and healing in Black communities.
Obsidian Black History Month Battle & Jam
When: Feb. 25 at 6:30 pm
Where: The Black Arts Centre, Surrey
Cost: $22.63
The Black Arts Centre (BLAC) and KatchFlow are hosting a hip-hop battle and jam to celebrate Black History Month. Participants can compete in and spectators can cheer on this dance and music event. A cash prize will be awarded to winners of the battle. People are encouraged to come out and support, watch, or sign up to battle while celebrating the community’s Black culture and talent.
Black Inventors, with Lindagene Coyle
When: Feb. 25 from 12:30 to 1:30 pm
Where: Richmond Public Library, Brighouse Branch, Richmond
Cost: Free
Don’t miss Kwantlen Polytechnic University Vice President Emerita Lindagene Coyle, who will be speaking on the rich history of Black inventors as part of Richmond Public Library’s Black History month celebrations.
Umodjablack: Art Exhibition Opening
When: Feb. 15 from 3:00 to 4:30 pm
Where: SAMC Gallery, Langley
Cost: Free
Come to the opening night of this brand new art exhibit at the SAMC Gallery, featuring a talk with contemporary artist Ghislain Brown-Kossi. See his imaginative work that incorporates symbols with ties to African languages. His art aims to show how these symbols have influence in our lives, act on the conscience, help humans organize and communicate, and evoke the spiritual.
Soul Stories: Workshop, Poetry Jam & Open Mic
When: Feb. 24 from 2:00 to 5:00 pm (workshop), show 6:30 to 9:30 pm
Where: Morrow, #204 910 Richards St., Vancouver
Cost: By donation
This two-part event put on by “fanny & friends” starts out with a workshop geared specifically toward Black-queer individuals for a time of journaling, meditation, poetry writing, and more. Following the workshop, there will be a poetry and open mic night. Open mic spots are reserved for those who identify as Black and queer. All proceeds from attending either event will go toward the Vancouver Black Therapy and Advocacy Fund.
Black History Month at Pacific Arts Market
When: Fridays to Sundays in February. Hours vary between 1:00 to 5:00 / 6:00 pm
Where: Pacific Arts Market, Vancouver
Cost: Free to $22.63
This celebration is ongoing throughout February. Each weekend, the Pacific Arts Market will have activities showcasing Black talent and culture from the community, including live performances, poetry reading, art exhibits, workshops, speakers, and more.
