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CIVIC PARTNERSHIP EVENTS & INFORMATIONDownload an 11x17 inch full colour poster to print or distribute! (pdf, 275kb) Vancouver's Public Libraries celebrate Black History Month with activity taking place at libraries throughout the city. Check out the list of FREE events! Thursday, February 9 (doors at 6:30 pm, 7 pm start)
For more information and tickets visit www.viff.org Thursday, February 23 (doors at 6:30 pm, 7 pm start)
For more information and tickets visit www.viff.org Monday, February 27 (7 pm)
These events are brought to you by the City of Vancouver, the Vancouver Park Board, the Vancouver Public Library, Vancity Theatre at the Vancouver International Film Centre, the National Film Board, Canada Post and The National Congress of Black Women Foundation. Black History MonthBlack History Month is celebrated in February in many countries around the world, including Canada. It's an opportunity to share the history, contributions and culture of Black Canadians. Launch and Proclaim | Black History in BC/Vancouver | Notable People | Events | Photos | Contact | Planning Team | Resources Launching and Proclaiming Black History Month 2012On October 18, 2011, a motion in Council to have Black History Month designated as a Civic Special Event with funding. This was approved by Mayor and Council, and in a Planning Team of staff, cultural organizations and community representatives was created. Three community partnership events (right), and an Official Celebration were conceived.
On Tuesday, January 31, 2012, in Council Chamber, Mayor Gregor Robertson helped to launch Black History Month in Vancouver (44 minute online video). His Worship presented a Black History Month proclamation to Nalda Callender of the National Congress of Black Women Foundation, and Canada Post unveiled the 2012 commemorative Black History Month stamps Statement by the Prime Minister of Canada on 2012 Black History Month Black History in British Columbia and VancouverAlthough often overlooked, there’s a rich tapestry of Black history going back to the early colonial origins of Canada. Here in BC and Vancouver, we have a number of significant people and events to celebrate this February. In 1858, nearly 800 free Black people left the oppressive racial conditions of San Francisco for a new life on Vancouver Island. Governor James Douglas had invited them to settle in British Columbia. Though still faced with intense discrimination, these pioneers enriched the political, religious and economic life of the colony. Unknown to many, Douglas was himself the product of a mixed marriage -- his father was Scottish and his mother Guyanese. Douglas strove to be known as Caucasian; however, he quickly agreed to the appeal from the San Francisco delegation. In turn, the Black pioneers pledged their support to Douglas and to the cause of British sovereignty. Many from that initial group have contributed notably to BC life: Mifflin Gibbs became a prominent politician; Charles and Nancy Alexander initiated the Shady Creek Methodist Church; and John Deas established a salmon cannery. The group also formed one of the earliest colonial militia units, the Victoria Pioneer Rifle Corps. A ceremony took place on February 20, 2000, in Saanichton, BC to honour the original arrival of Black pioneers in British Columbia. The Black Community and the Strathcona NeighbourhoodAround 1900, the Black community from Vancouver Island began to emigrate to the mainland. Most settled in North Vancouver and in Vancouver 's Strathcona neighbourhood, in what became known as Hogan's Alley. Strathcona was, and is still today, a very diverse area. Over the years, it’s been home to many communities -- including Japanese, Chinese, Italian, as well as Black people. Hogan's Alley ran between Union and Prior streets from the alley east of Main Street, called Park Lane, to Jackson Street. Just eight feet wide and a few blocks long, the alley was home to everything from cafes to gambling joints. In the 1920s, the area was something of an "anything goes" zone, after relaxed enforcement by the mayor at that time. However, in the mid 1930s, under a new mayor, Hogan's Alley became a target for an anti-vice campaign. Some demolition of shacks occurred near the end of the decade, but most survived up to the 1960s. Most of the Alley was levelled by the construction of the Georgia Viaduct in the 70s, leaving only about a block. Digital Stories from the Black Community As part of the City of Vancouver's 125th Anniversary celebrations
Notable PeopleBlack History Month – A Personal View“Throughout the history of Vancouver, the Black community has contributed in many ways to the life and vibrancy of this city. It is impossible here to list names of all individuals and organizations that have added diversity and cultural stimulation to Canada's third largest city; local parks have been named after Emery Barnes, athlete and politician, and Rosemary Brown, women's advocate, politician and teacher. Black musicians, physicians, lawyers, athletes, restaurant owners, after-hours jazz clubs, choirs, writers - all have helped to make the ethnic community of Vancouver a rich tapestry-in-progress.” - Constance Barnes, Park Board Commissioner Jane Rukaria - Remarkable Women Project - 2011Each year the Park Board celebrates and recognizes the contributions of women to our city through the Remarkable Women project and this year we are once again happy to honour a member of the Black community for her achievements and contributions. In 2011 the poster project is celebrating city and community builders and Jane Rukaria, a lawyer and community volunteer who works extensively with the refugee and immigrant community and is herself an immigrant from Kenya, is one of the women recognized. Ms. Rukaria is a city builder through her assistance in helping Vancouver's communities welcome new members from the African Diaspora. Seraphim “Joe” Fortes (b.? - 1922)Seraphim "Joe" Fortes was one of the most notable early Black settlers in Vancouver, where he lived from 1885 to 1922. He was born in Barbados and arrived in Vancouver on a ship which he worked aboard. In Vancouver, Joe Fortes worked as a porter and bartender and moved into a small cottage on English Bay near Stanley Park. Later, he saved many lives and taught children how to swim after becoming English Bay’s first official lifeguard in 1901.
Joe Fortes was much-loved. The City of Vancouver honoured Joe in 1910 in appreciation of his work. Joe received his greatest accolade after he died and the City staged a public funeral attended by hundreds of friends and admirers. A fountain was also erected at Alexandra Park near his former home in the West End using funds raised by children of the city. The fountain shows Joe's face above children splashing around in water and bears the inscription "Little Children loved Him." The library on Denman Street in the West End also bears his name. Harry Jerome (1940-1982)Harry Jerome was one of Canada’s leading athletes and set track records in the 1950s and 60s, becoming known as "the world’s fastest man". He was born in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan in 1940 and moved to North Vancouver with his family in 1952. His grandfather had represented Canada in the 1912 Olympics. Harry Jerome earned his master's degree in physical education at the University of Oregon and came back to Vancouver to be a gym instructor, but decided instead to become an Olympic athlete. He shattered several 100-metre and 100-yard records in a sports career spanning over a decade. He won a bronze medal at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, a gold at the Commonwealth Games in 1966, and a gold at the 1967 Pan Am Games. He also overcame many injuries from which many thought he’d never recover or be able to compete again. After his track records, he worked for Sport Canada, and in 1971 was awarded the Order of Canada. Vancouver’s tribute to Harry Jerome is a large bronze statue of him on the seawall facing Coal Harbour. Emery Barnes (1929-1998)The Honourable Emery Barnes was first elected (NDP MLA) to the British Columbia Legislative Assembly in 1972 and subsequently re-elected four consecutive times to this august body. In 1991, he was appointed Deputy Speaker and in 1994, became the first Speaker in British Columbia to be elected by a secret ballot of his peers and served until 1996. He was also the first Black person to hold this position in any Canadian province. A member of the opposition party remarked: “Your personal dignity, honour and integrity are beyond question and reproach, and you are a most fit individual to sit in this very important position as Speaker.” Emery was born in New Orleans on December 15, 1929. At age 12, he moved to the state of Oregon where he later received a Bachelor of Science degree at the University of Oregon before emigrating to Canada in 1957. He then did post-graduate studies in Social Work at the University of British Columbia. Barnes worked as a social worker before entering politics. The main focus of his life and career was helping the disadvantaged in society, with strong emphasis on social justice, poverty, worldwide human rights and world peace. He was active in developing awareness of Black History in B.C. and furthering the principles of multiculturalism, particularly in the public sector. An outstanding athlete, Emery played pro football briefly in 1956 for the Green Bay Packers before joining the B.C. Lions in 1957. He was inducted into the Oregon State Sports Hall of Fame (1986) and the Portland, Oregon, Interscholastic Sports Hall of Fame (1987). In 2003, The City of Vancouver has named a park after him in his memory: Emery Barnes Park at 1100 Seymour Street. Barnes was appointed to the Order of British Columbia in 1995. Rosemary Brown (1930-2003)Dr. Rosemary Brown fought for both women’s rights and the equal treatment of Black people most of her life. She was born in Jamaica in 1930 and came to Canada to study at McGill University in 1950, earning a master’s degree in social work. She was elected to the BC (NDP MLA) legislature in 1972, becoming the first Black woman to become a member of a Canadian parliament, serving the Vancouver-Burrard riding until 1986. A mother of three as well as an active member of the New Democratic Party, in 1975 she became the first woman to run for the leadership of a federal political party in Canada (defeated by Ed Broadbent on a fourth ballot). Rosemary Brown’s honours were many and included honourary degrees and becoming an Officer of the Order of Canada. Adding to her many honours is the stamp issued this month by Canada Post. She once famously said “... to be Black and female in a society which is both racist and sexist is to be in the unique position of having nowhere to go but up!” In 2005, The City of Vancouver has named a park in her memory: Rosemary Brown Park located at Redbud and Vine Streets. 2012 Community Events ListingsTo have your event considered for listing below please provide details to: Klodyne Rodney at klodyne.rodney@vancouver.ca. Saturday, January 28 (doors open 5:30 pm - show start 6 pm)
Wednesday, February 1 (8 pm)
Saturday, February 4 (Beginners 6-7 pm, Advanced 7-8 pm)
Tuesday, February 7 (3:30 pm)
Thursday, February 9 – Saturday, March 10
Friday, February 10 (7:30 pm)
Friday, February 10 (8 pm)
Saturday, February 11 (4:30 – 6:30 pm)
Saturday, February 11 (Beginners 6-7 pm, Advanced 7-8 pm)
Sunday, February 12 (2 pm)
Sunday, February 12 (7 pm)
Saturday, February 18 (noon - 5pm)
Saturday, February 18 (Beginners 6-7 pm, Advanced 7-8 pm)
Monday, February 20 (11:15 am)
Wednesday, February 22 (7:30 pm)
Thursday, February 23 (6:30-8:30 pm, doors at 6:00 pm)
Friday, February 24 (11:15 am)
Saturday, February 25 (from 1 pm)
Stay tuned. More to come!PhotosCity of Vancouver Archives – African Heritage Photographs Contact For more information about Black History in Vancouver, please contact: Planning Team for the Civic Partnership events (alphabetical order)
Other resources about Black History Month
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The African-American gospel singing superstar beloved by Aretha Franklin, Bob Dylan, Robert Plant and who was an inspiration to the rock & roll greats of the 40s, 50s and 60s. This exciting evening will include live music from Vancouver blues and gospel guitarist Chelsea D.E. Johnson.
A lively combination of music, dance, footage from the vaults of CBC, and a filmic commentary on mixed race children, combine to celebrate the African Diaspora’s Caribbean influence on Vancouver during the 50s.
While living in North Vancouver, this Olympic competitor was one of Canada’s leading athletes and set track records in the 1950s and 60s, becoming known as "the world’s fastest man". Watch a film clip here: 
