February is Black History Month
Every February, Canada celebrates Black History Month to recognize and pay homage to the significant contributions and achievements of Black Canadians. This year, the theme of Black History Month is “Ours to Tell”.
The theme highlights the importance of telling the stories of Black Canadians and ensuring that their rich cultural heritage and experiences are accurately represented in our history books. It also emphasizes the responsibility of the community to preserve and pass down the stories from one generation to the next.
Black History Month is a time to celebrate the achievements and contributions of Black Canadians and to acknowledge the challenges they have faced. By embracing the theme “Ours to Tell”, we can work together to preserve the rich cultural heritage and stories of Black Canadians for future generations.
To honor Black History Month, we’ve put together a list of Black-owned businesses in the area and Black voices and stories to support and share. Check it out below!
Local Businesses:
Vancouver Black Owned Business & Black Entrepreneurs Directory (afrobiz.ca)
27 Black-owned restaurants, food businesses in and around Vancouver | Dished (dailyhive.com)
CBC Spotlight on Being Black in BC:
CBC showcases Black voices, stories and experiences in honour of Black History Month | CBC News
Community Educators and Activists:
LAYLA F. SAAD (laylafsaad.com)
Ally Henny | Writer // Speaker
Black Directors and Producers:
Black Canadian Authors:
25 books by Black Canadian authors to read | CBC Books
A few books for children and younger youth:
Ada Twist, Scientist (now a Netflix series!)
Zoey and Sassafras by Asia Citro
Little Leaders and Little Legends (Little Leaders | Vashti Harrison)
Every Little Thing by Cedella Marley
I Like Myself by Karen Beaumont and David Catrow