Black History Month

Signed proclamation (468 KB)

Black History Month signed proclamation

Each February, we are proud to recognize Black History Month by official proclamation.

Black History Month provides us with the opportunity to celebrate and learn about the many achievements, investments, and contributions of Vancouver’s Black and African diasporic communities, even while these communities have endured historical and continuing inequality, oppression, and erasure.   

The City of Vancouver recognizes that it has played a role in perpetuating discrimination against Black and African diaspora communities and is committed to addressing anti-Black racism in all its forms. We must make a consistent effort to acknowledge, empower, and value the perspectives and experiences of all individuals in the Black community every day.  

What's happeningBlack History Month 2025

Support Black-owned businesses

For Black History Month 2025, we are once again partnering with the Black Business Association of BC to shine a spotlight on Black-owned businesses in Vancouver.

Watch our video series highlighting Black entrepreneurs and spend with intention.

Illumination of City Hall and Burrard Bridge

On February 1, City Hall and Burrard Bridge will be illuminated black, red, green, and gold in honour of Black History Month. 

Black History Month at the Vancouver Public Library

Check out the library's programs, events, and booklists for Black History Month

Map of Black-owned businesses

The Black Business Association of BC maintains a database of Black-owned businesses. It showcases restaurants, stores, and a variety of different businesses all founded by Black entrepreneurs.

Find a Black-owned business in Vancouver

Black history in Vancouver

BC has a rich Black history dating back to Canada’s colonial origins. In 1858, nearly 800 free Black people left the oppressive racial conditions of San Francisco for a new life on Vancouver Island. These pioneers enriched the socio-economic life in their community, overcoming intense discrimination and adversity. From the 1920s to the 1960s, Vancouver’s Black Community clustered in the East End, with its nucleus at a site known as Hogan’s Alley, and became a thriving Black community and cultural hub. 

In 1967, the decision to expand the highway system through Vancouver resulted in the expropriation of land and buildings in this area to make way for the construction of the Georgia and Dunsmuir Viaducts, resulting in the loss of homes and businesses. The Black Community was uprooted from this area and an identifiable Black neighbourhood has not re-emerged in Vancouver.

Black History Month was recognized by the Government of Canada in the House of Commons in 1995. The motion was introduced by the Honourable Jean Augustine, the first Black Canadian woman elected to parliament. Vancouver City Council passed a motion in 2011, designating Black History Month one of its official celebrations. Every February, we celebrate the history, contributions, and culture of Black Canadians.

Honouring Black trailblazers from Vancouver

Anti-racism and cultural redress

Find out more about the steps we have taken and will be taking in advancing reconciliation, anti-racism, and equity.

Celebrating Vancouver's Hometown Heroes

We honor 10 Black BC residents and organizations shaping our communities through activism.

Northeast False Creek

Northeast False Creek is the last big piece of undeveloped waterfront land in downtown Vancouver.

Honoring Black history in parks

How we honor Black history in Vancouver parks today, from a namesake park to a sculpture memorializing the Black experience.

Learn more

Canada Post stamps

Issue date: January 30, 2025

This year, Canada Post’s 2025 Black History Month stamp commemorates Marie Joseph Angélique. 

Her harrowing story reminds us of the history of enslavement in what is now Canada – and sheds light on how those who were enslaved resisted their bondage. 

 

Canada post honours Chloey Cooley with Black History Month stamp

Canada post honours Chloey Cooley with Black History Month stamp