Celebrate Black History Month
February 1 2013
Celebrate the rich, long and vibrant history of people of African descent in February during Black History Month. Come out to one of the many events happening in the city this month.
Black history in British Columbia
British Columbia has been home to people of African descent since at least the 1850s. In 1858, James Douglas, “Father of British Columbia”, became the first Governor of the Colony of British Columbia. He was born in Guyana and parents were of Barbadian (Bajan) and Scottish ancestry. Since then, we have seen the Black population in British Columbia grow with immigrants from the United States, the Caribbean, the African continent, and other parts of the world.
To kick off the celebration, Mayor Gregor Robertson will present a proclamation honouring the life and work of Jeni LeGon and unveil new Canada Post stamps honouring musician, Oliver Jones, and Vancouver legend, Joe Fortes, Vancouver's first lifeguard.
