Upcoming events.
BLACK HISTORY & FUTURES MONTH
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BLACK HISTORY & FUTURES MONTH 〰️
BLACK HISTORY
& FUTURES MONTH
Celebrate Black History & Futures Month with HAS on February 8, at "Sankofa: Return to Joy," an evening dedicated to honoring the culture and resilience upheld by Black communities across the diaspora. Witness the first public reveal of the Hogan's Alley Commemorative Coin — a moment for us to reflect on, and celebrate our journey toward a future rooted in joy! This free event hosted by the amazing Acacia Gray will be filled with music, dance, delicious food, drag, and much more.
If you are hosting a Black History/ Futures Event and want to be featured on our community calendar, please stay connected for the submission form coming soon!
full Event Calendar Below
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community events
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community events 〰️
Afro-Caribbean Celebration & Dialogue
🌴✨ Get ready for a vibrant celebration of Afro-Caribbean culture! Join us for an unforgettable evening of spectacular dance performances, soul-stirring music, and cultural enlightenment featuring Dr. June Francis. Bring the whole family for an evening filled with rhythm, joy, and community spirit! 🎵💃
📅 Saturday, April 12, 2025
⏰ 5:00PM - 9:00PM
📍 7502 2nd Street, Burnaby, BC
Family-friendly event with delicious food, amazing performances, and enriching cultural experiences! Secure your spot now!
Black Planning Conversation and Social Mixer
The Black Experiences with Planning in Canada (BEPIC) is a three year (2022-2025) research partnership dedicated to learning from the lived experiences of Black communities and planners.
We are reaching out to individuals over the age of 18 who identify as any of the following:
a Black planning professional
a Black individual engaged in planning work
a volunteer or staff (Black or non-Black) of a Black-led organization engaged in planning work
or a non-Black planner working with, for, and/or in historically or predominantly Black communities or in communities with a strong Black presence
to join us for a presentation and a social mixer on Tuesday, 15th of April, 7-9 pm at 312 Main Street, Reach Room (Ground Floor), Vancouver. RSVP by Monday April 14 at 5:00 p.m. to secure your spot and be part of this exciting evening! Click here to register.
BCHPA Healthcare Excellence Gala
Black Canadian Healthcare Professionals Association presents: Healthcare Excellence Gala
✨ A Black-Tie Affair✨
Dress in your finest formal attire and make a statement on the red carpet.
🍽 Elegant Dining – Enjoy a three-course meal paired with a refreshment.
🎶 Live Music & Entertainment – A night of music, energy, and celebration.
🏆 Awards Presentation – Applaud the outstanding achievements of healthcare leaders making a difference.
🤝 Networking – Connect with influential healthcare professionals, advocates, and industry leaders.
Celebrate, Connect, and Inspire: Be part of this unforgettable evening as we honor those leading the charge for a more diverse and equitable healthcare system. Raise a glass to their impact and join us in shaping a healthier future for all.
Discounted ticket sales of CAD$ 81 until March 29th. Tickets will be $135 from March 30th, 2025.
Living Together 2025: Connecting housing, social health and resilience.
Living Together will convene 150+ housing experts, public health professionals, municipal planners, architects, place-based community organizations, emergency management professionals, senior government policymakers, academics, and students.
Together, we’ll celebrate successes, share learnings and identify opportunities to move closer to a future where more of Canada’s multi-unit housing communities are age-friendly, socially connected, neighbourly, health-promoting and resilient.
The two-day event will touch on diverse but overlapping topics:
Creating stronger conditions for aging in place in multi-unit housing;
Strengthening neighbourly social connections and mutual support to prepare for and withstand stresses and climate-related emergencies;
Best practices for designing socially connected, age-friendly, resilient multi-unit housing;
Aligning health and housing sectors to support systems and policy change;
Exploring the integration of nature-based solutions as social connection infrastructure in multi-unit housing retrofits and redevelopments, and more.
PLEASE NOTE: This is a two-day event happening on Monday, May 5 and Tuesday, May 6. Communications from Eventbrite indicate it is only on Monday. We will send a two-day calendar invite to all registrants to confirm the dates.
Breakfast, lunch and refreshments will be included.
Details
When: May 5th & 6th, 2025
Where: SFU Morris J Wosk Centre for Dialogue
580 W Hastings St, Vancouver, BC V6B 5K3
Lead Hosts: Hey Neighbour Collective
Co-hosts: BC Centre for Disease Control, Building Resilient Neighbourhoods, Happy Cities, Renewable Cities, SFU Urban Studies, SFU Gerontology, SFU Health Sciences, Action on Climate Team and Climate Innovation
Sponsors: BCCDC Facilities Engagement, BC Housing Research Centre, Vancouver Coastal Health.
Funders: Waltons Trust, Max Bell Foundation and SSHRC
Accessibility
Washrooms are located on the lower level, second, third and fourth floors of the building. The venue has a gender-neutral washroom, available on the second floor in the east hallway. All floors within the building, including the venue and washrooms, are wheelchair accessible and serviced by elevators. How can we make this event accessible for you? If you have any questions, concerns, or comments regarding this event’s accessibility, feel free to connect with us at nnabors@sfu.ca.
Directions
The SFU Morris J. Wosk Centre for Dialogue is located at 580 W. Hastings St (enter by Seymour Street at Joe Segal Way), and is a brief walk from Waterfront station and numerous bus stops. Bike racks are available outside the Hastings entrance of SFU Harbour Centre (located across the street). Nearby parking is available at 500 & 400 W. Cordova St.
Code of Conduct and Inclusion Expectation
This is an inclusive event. By submitting your registration, you are agreeing to engage with organizers and other guests at the event in a respectful manner. Offensive or discriminatory behaviour and/or language toward event organizers and other guests will not be tolerated. Such behaviour may result in the removal or banning of the individual(s) from future events.
Land Acknowledgement
We respectfully acknowledge the unceded, traditional territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm(Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish) and səl̓ilw̓ətaʔɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations, on which the SFU Vancouver campus and the SFU Morris J. Wosk Centre for Dialogue building are located.
Holistic Healing Through Art Therapy: For Seniors of African Descent
Welcome to Holistic Healing Through Art Therapy for Seniors of African Descent.
Come join us for a day of relaxation and self-discovery through art therapy. This event offers a unique opportunity to explore your inner self and promote healing through artistic expression. Whether you're a seasoned artist or a beginner, this workshop is designed to help you tap into your creativity and find peace through art. Don't miss out on this chance to connect with others and embark on a journey of holistic healing. We can't wait to see you there!
YAIJ Black Disability Histories: Celebrating Black Disabled Activists
This event will feature powerful performances from poets and musicians, interactive learning circles, and an engaging panel discussion highlighting Black disability justice and activism. Come connect, learn, and celebrate with us—plus, enjoy free food!
Can’t make it in person? Sign up for our online session and join us via Zoom!
Don’t miss this opportunity to honor Black disability histories and build community!
GLIMMERS
Join us for the culmination of a very special project...
GLIMMERS
an experimental & embodied experience that plays with the relationship between music, poetry & collaboration. using voice, instruments and story, these are artists gather to share & show what sowing your gifts looks like in action.
guests will enjoy poetry sets with a live band, ending in a collaborative performance and improvisational jam.
Thursday, March 27th, 2025 | Performance Works | Granville Island | 6:00pm Doors | 7:00pm Show
featuring: Adonis Critter King, Brandon Wint & fanny kearse
with special musical guests: Hayley Sullivan McInerney, Josh Eastman, Kinfolk Nation, rowan stone & Thule van den Dam
Glimmers is a docuseries following 4 BIPOC-Disabled-Queer Vancouver based artists as they explore the healing power of witnessing through collaboration. These artists humbly and vulnerably invite you into their lives, into their homes to discuss their practices and experiences. They give a behind the scenes, raw look into the creation and production of a live collaborative event. Experience the show within the show as it comes to life!
This project is co-created by Exposition of Life and supported by Telus Storyhive.
Ticket Pricing:
We believe in ranged ticket pricing to reflect the varied earnings of those we are in community with. Offering this helps to build a community that is rooted in both equity & equality.
Glimmers Ticket: $22 + tax
Generous Glimmers Ticket: $33 + tax
*For every 2 Generous Tickets purchased we are able to give a ticket to someone who wouldn't otherwise be able to come. <3
Gift of Glimmers (Pay It Forward Ticket): $22
*These tickets enable folks in community to attend who otherwise would be unable
~if funds are a barrier for your attendance please contact fannykearse@gmail.com for community tickets ~
We are grateful to our sponsors: Vines Art Society, Edna's, Ground Sounds, Upstart & Crow and Van Black Club.
Please check out the FAQ for more event information. More detials will be will released SOON!
We hope to see you on March 27th for a night full of he(art)!
WORDSMITH Vol 3: A Night of Poetry
Join us at the grunt gallery for WORDSMITH Vol 3: A Night of Poetry! Come and harness the words of spoken word, and get ready for the talented poets that will be sharing their words with you. If you have attended our last two WORDSMITH events, you know how powerful the room was. Whether you're a poetry enthusiast or just looking for a unique night out, this event is for you!
Who is performing? We have an amazing lineup of poets and 5 open-mic spots at the end
Our featured poets are:
Cicely Belle Blain
Śèyí,ThePoet
Noah Lubendo
Muntasi (Muna) Mavhima
Babaloluwa (Lolu) Oyedele
MKC
Where: grunt gallery - 350 E 2nd Ave
When: Saturday March 15th, 2025
Time: 5:00pm-8:00pm
Doors Open (sign-up for open mic) - 4:30pm
Poetry Show - 5:00pm-8:00pm
Cost: $25 (tickets) or $30 (tickets + a drink of wine/cider)
Tickets sold online and at the door (etransfer only).
Snacks and refreshments are available by donation.
A Silent Auction will be ran for the duration of the event and all proceeds will go towards BC Community Alliance (BCCA).
See you there!
ACCESSIBILITY FOR grunt gallery:
grunt gallery is accessed from the sidewalk via a 106” long, 64” wide concrete ramp that rises 12”. The slope is 1 : 8.75. There are no rails on the ramp. The front entrance is an outward-swinging double door with a total width of 64”, and with hand and foot height buttons for automated opening. Entry to the Media Lab behind the gallery space is via a 42” wide passage and entry to the neighbouring amenity space is through a manually operated outward swinging double door with a total width of 70”.
No stairs, inclines, or elevators are necessary to access the public areas once inside the gallery. grunt gallery has a single gender neutral washroom that is accessed via a 31” wide doorway with an automated swinging door with a door handle that is 40” high. The toilet has a 10” clearance on the left side and a 21” clearance in front, with a support bar on the left side. The sink height is 34”. Please contact us via access@grunt.ca with any questions. grunt encourages the use of face masks in our space to help protect immunocompromised staff and guests. Masks and hand sanitizer are available onsite.Please no vaping or smoking on the premises.
grunt gallery amenity room:
the supplied soap by the building is strongly scented.
there is no light indicator in the amenity room and the lock is a twist bolt.
We acknowledge that this event takes place on the traditional, ancestral and unceded territory of the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and Səl̓ílwətaʔ/Selilwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh) and xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) Nations.
Elevate Her Conference
Elevate Her Conference is a conference for Black Women. Put on by Black Women Connect Vancouver (BWCV), Black Business Association of British Columbia (BBABC), this conference is an engaging and interactive event.
Join us for the highly anticipated Elevate Her Conference 2025, an empowering event dedicated to inspiring, equipping, and celebrating Black women changemakers. This year’s theme, Empowering Changemakers, focuses on the incredible contributions and journeys of Black women who are driving positive impact across various sectors. Taking place on International Women’s Day, Elevate Her offers a unique blend of workshops, keynote speakers, and networking opportunities designed to support and elevate Black women in their personal and professional pursuits. The event also includes a leadership panel, featuring HAS’ Executive Director Djaka Blais.
Village Dance Night
Village Dance Night
With Jacky Essombe, Yoro Noukoussi and Angelique Muhorakeye
Come join Jacky and her friends for an evening of African Dance!
Jacky shares The Spirit of the Village - a State of Being and a Way of Life. It’s about bringing Harmony to the Human, Natural and Spiritual Community
Excellence in Motion: A Black Tie Event
It is with great honour that I (Shayla Bird) invite you to the annual Excellence in Motion: A Black Tie Event on March 1 from 6:00-9:00pm in Vancouver, BC.
This evening is designed to bring together changemakers from across North America for a purposeful celebration of excellence, community building, and shaping the future.
The event promises an unforgettable experience featuring:
A distinguished guest list (60+ invitations)
Inspiring opening and closing ceremonies
Canapés and drinks
Live performances
Stunning art showcases
A photobooth
The gathering will take place in the iconic Ethos Lab space, a state-of-the-art STEAM Innovation Hub dedicated to empowering youth through hands-on learning, creativity, and collaboration in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics.
Every detail of this evening has been thoughtfully designed with intentionality, integrity, and excellence in mind, ensuring a truly memorable celebration.
We are still seeking sponsorship from organizations to support this event. If this is something that interests you, please email shaylabird@icloud.com for more information.
Black Entrepreneurship & Research Symposium
Black Entrepreneurship Research Symposium, powered by Innovation UBC’s Black Advisory Hub and Simon Fraser University’s Black Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub (BEKH), brings together business leaders, academics, and policy makers committed to ongoing advocacy for Black entrepreneurship to discuss and initiate actionable policy changes.
”To amplify Black businesses, highlight their contributions, and address challenges and opportunities through informed dialogue, we are hosting a symposium titled "Empowering Black Entrepreneurs: Bridging Research, Policy, and Practice." This event is inspired by BEKH's regional research and the Black Advisory Hub at UBC's ongoing engagement efforts. The symposium aims to transform research insights into actionable policy recommendations and foster collaborative initiatives to support and empower Black-owned businesses.”
"Lift Every Voice" Concert with Marcus Mosely - A Black History Month Celebration
You are cordially invited to the Marcus Mosely “Lift Every Voice” Concert with Bill Sample and Darlene Ketchum to celebrate Black History Month. The numbers will show the need to support, empower and uplift Black youth.
RSVP: Email Linda Arbia Linda.Arbia@burnabyschools.ca
With the number of tickets you need.
Please RSVP by 3 pm on Monday February 24th
This remarkably talented trio will be spending the day at Burnaby Central Secondary – working with the Concert Choir and members of the Black Excellence Student Club in the morning, then presenting workshops for classes in the Library, and returning in the evening to perform, including 2 songs with students.
This music unifies and connects people and serves as a powerful platform to let one’s voice be heard. This is why it was such an integral part of the civil rights movement. Learning songs in this genre is empowering. Singing with a group can be life-changing. Singing and music bring people together across the world, much needed in a time of partisanship – we need music that unites.
The students at Burnaby Central will explore the history of the civil rights movement and the fight for social justice. Mosely will be working with youth in the school’s Black Excellence Club and Concert Choir, culminating in a special evening performance together. Mosely is contributing the entry donations for the concert to Burnaby Central’s Black Excellence Club for their use at school.
We hope you will join us for an evening of song, celebration and joy.
Celebrating Black History Month Through Black Entrepreneurship
The Canadian Association of Urban Financial Professionals (CAUFP) in conjunction with BEBC Society, BDC and BCAA is inviting you to an exciting opportunity to connect with like-minded Black businesses owners and Black professionals on Thursday February 27th from 4 PM -7:30 PM. This in-person event will be held at BDC Square at 1133 Melville Street 15th Floor Vancouver, BC V6E 4E5 providing a vibrant atmosphere for networking and collaboration over appetizers and refreshments. Don't miss out on this chance to expand your professional network and gain valuable insights. See you there!
For a limited time only, all attendees receive a complimentary 1 year CAUFP membership with the code CAUFPWEST via the following link https://caufp.ca/membership/.
Afro-Latinx Cineclub: Dólares de Arena
This Black History Month, VPL is partnering with the Vancouver Latin American Cultural Centre (VLACC) to present two powerful films showcasing stories of Afro-Latinidad.
Following each screening, there will be a thought-provoking moderated discussion led by storyteller and community organizer Coral Santana.
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On February 26 we are screening Dólares de Arena (Dominican Republic, 2014), directed by Laura Amelia Guzmán and Israel Cárdenas
Synopsis: An older European woman becomes enchanted with a young Dominican woman who must struggle to make ends meet. Love brings a flow of entanglements in a drama which unfolds like palm trees in an irresistible storm.
Discussion themes: portrayals of Blackness and queerness in Latinx cinema, the intersections of femininity and Blackness, and the impact of class and whiteness on queer dynamics in Latin America.
Rating: NR (not rated)
Runtime: 84 mins
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Coral Santana is an Afro-Dominican storyteller, community organizer and equity consultant based in K'emk'emeláy̓ (Vancouver). They have developed cultural programming focused on exploring Blackness, Queerness and Latinidad for various organizations, including the Museum of Anthropology and the Vancouver Art Gallery. Coral holds a BA in Film Studies with a minor in Creative Writing from the University of British Columbia
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Please register. You do not need to present proof of registration. Our staff will have a list of all registrants at the door. Drop-ins are welcome if there's seats available.
Black History Month (Virtual) Masterclass
Calling all Black professionals and allies looking to make a difference in their community and workplace. Come learn about canadian black history, its impact on us and how we can use it to drive change and empower communities.
Join us on Wednesday, February 26th, 2025, from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm EST (3:30PM - 5:00PM PST) for a transformative professional development opportunity designed to deepen understanding of Black Canadian history and its relevance today. This session will feature an insightful lecture by historian Rito Joseph, interactive breakout groups focused on actionable topics, and a group discussion to inspire meaningful engagement. This event is open to all allies, teachers, professionals and community leaders seeking to enhance their knowledge of the Black community and foster impactful change.
places that matter:vhf community fair Heritage BC
Annually, Vancouver Heritage Foundation and Places That Matter put on a family-friendly Community Celebration or Fair focused on the many stories and people that connect us to the places that matter in our communities. The official Heritage Week Proclamation is presented by invited City of Vancouver Councillors.
BC Youth Career Accelerator Summit
Join the Yoruba Social & Cultural Association of BC for an exciting career event for youth (16+), featuring accomplished professionals from diverse industries.
We are thrilled to welcome our distinguished guest speakers: Trish Masenda Mandewo, Franklin Bouguep and Dr. Charles Osuji.
What to Expect:
✨ Inspiring career stories from top industry professionals
✨ An interactive Q&A to get your burning career questions answered
✨ Networking opportunities with professionals and peers
✨ Free lunch provided!
We are thrilled to welcome our distinguished guest speakers:
Trish Mandewo is an accomplished award-winning serial entrepreneur and diversity & inclusion strategist. Trish is the President and Founder of Synergy On Boards Consulting Group. Trish has successfully built four businesses and two non profits. She has received numerous awards including 2017 RBC Top 25 Canadian Immigrant. She currently sits on several boards including Union of BC municipalities (UBCM) and Lower Mainland Local Government Association (LMLGA) and The Coquitlam Foundation. She is an elected official for the City of Coquitlam.
Franklin Bouguep is a seasoned executive and board leader with over 25 years of experience driving strategic growth, operational excellence, and cross-sector innovation across international development, energy, technology, and non-profit. Franklin has extensive experience in Business Development, Strategic Management, Operations and Supply Chain Management directing teams of over 300 people. Franklin has held senior positions for the last 20 years across industries in the US, Europe, and Africa.
Dr. Charles Osuji (Hon. D.) is a distinguished legal executive and community leader, celebrated for his exceptional contributions to the legal profession and his unwavering commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. As CEO and Managing Partner of Osuji & Smith Lawyers—the largest Black-owned law firm in Canada—Dr. Osuji has spearheaded the firm’s expansion, scaling its operations from a modest team to a robust organization of over 45 legal professionals, serving clients both nationally and internationally. An award-winning lawyer and entrepreneur, Dr. Osuji has earned over 110 accolades, including the prestigious Doctor of Laws (Hon. D.) from Mount Royal University, as the youngest recipient, for his outstanding service and societal contributions. His recognitions also include being named one of Canada’s Top 25 Most Influential Lawyers, Avenue Calgary's Top 40 Under 40, and recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal.
Don’t miss this chance to gain valuable insights, get inspired, and take the first step toward your dream career!
Date: Saturday, February 22, 2025
Venue: Fleetwood Community Centre, 15996 84 Ave, Surrey, BC V4N 0W1
Time: 1:30-4:30pm
Register here 👉🏼 https://BCYouthConnectFeb2025.eventbrite.ca
See you there!!
VPL Black History Month Celebration
Celebrate Black History Month at the library exploring stories, books, music and songs. Join Library staff along with a roster of special guests. Best suited for an audience of young children ages 3-6 along with their parents and caregivers.
Drop in for part of the event or stay for the whole morning.
10:15 am Cultural Storytellers Sioban Barker and Alisha Lettman present tales for young children.
11:15 am Cultural Drummer and Musician Maurice Earle takes the stage along with drums for kids to try.
Presented in partnership with the BCABC Barbados Cultural Association of BC
Khaliyl’s Kids foundation - 7th Annual Family Day Portrait Session
Join us for Khaliyl’s Kids 7th annual Family Day Weekend Event.
Bring your loved ones for a fun-filled day of professional photography, cartoon portraits, kiddie corner, snacks, family-friendly activities, and creative moments! BY DONATION. (No one will be turned away due to lack of funds).
🌟 Special Offer: Invite your friends and family to get their photo taken, even if you can’t make it. The person who invites the MOST attendees will WIN a $50 Visa Gift Card! 💳
Don’t miss out on the chance to capture memories and WIN!
Black History Month Change Education Series by Capilano University: recurring events
Join Capilano University in the 2025 Black History Month Change Education Series: A collection of events uniting the CapU community against hate and racism while embracing understanding and diversity.
“This year’s theme is “Black Excellence: Contributions to the Canada Labour Force.” From building vital infrastructure to excelling in fields like education, healthcare, arts and technology, Black Canadians have been at the forefront of progress, innovation, resistance and resilience. Their contributions aren’t just moments in history—they’re milestones that are shaping movements for labour equity and workplace inclusion.
At CapU, we are committed to fostering spaces where learning, dialogue and action intersect. As a University community, we have a responsibility to learn from the past and listen to the stories of Black labour leaders and workers who have challenged systemic barriers and fostered change.
This month, we invite you to participate in events that celebrate these contributions.”
sankofa:return to joy
Celebrate Black History & Futures Month with the Hogan's Alley Society at "Sankofa: Return to Joy," an evening dedicated to honoring the vibrant culture and resilience upheld by Black communities across the diaspora.
Black in BC: Celebrating Black Excellence 2025
DIVERSEcity signature event celebrateing the surrey Black community
For 2025, we’re kicking off Black History Month with our third annual event on February 7, 2025, in Surrey, BC.
The free event features inspirational speakers, food, music and dance, bringing more than 200 guests from Surrey and Metro Vancouver to celebrate Black talent, cultures and achievements in Canada, while creating space for connection and learning.
Highlights
We are pleased to welcome back master of ceremonies Michael Newman, of Global BC fame, to guide our event featuring:
Keynote speech by poet Elliott Slinn
Music and dance entertainment by Ndidi Cascade
Traditional cuisine
Black Brilliance Awards
And more!
Getting here by transit
From Surrey Central or King George Skytrain station, take the R1 Newton Exchange or 321 bus to the King George/88 Avenue stop and walk 5 minutes to Surrey Arts Centre.
Exhibitor tables
We are offering free exhibition tables to local Black organizations, businesses and artists. Interested in exhibiting? Learn more here.
Let's Talk Housing
Join Alegria Sol in collaboration with has for an Edmunds community conversation in honour of Black History Month.
Black History and Futures Month Group Art Exhibition ( Feb 5th - 28th )
Join us on Wednesday Feb 5th at 5:30 - 7:30PM for our Black History and Futures Month Art Exhibition Opening reception.
This is a group show between Artists Tolu Ayoka , Karine Zamor and Black Out Collective. Each Artist / Artist group will be showcasing something different. The Exhibit will be open February 5th and will be up until the 28th of February. The 3 Artists / Artist group will also be apart of an Artist talk in the gallery on Wednesday Feb 19th from 5:00-6:30PM. After the Artist talk we will continue the celebrations at the 55+ Centre, feel free to join us.
Our location is 1661 Napier Street and the gallery in located inside the Vancouver Public Library Britannia space. We hope to see you all at our Black History and Futures Month celebration.
Illustration for the poster by iris Houngbo