In 1998, The Black Historical and Cultural Society of British Columbia sponsored several events during the month of February, supported primarily by a grant from Canadian Heritage. The following is a brief outline of each event.
The opening event of the month, staged at the Roundhouse Community Centre, which featured speeches by several presidents of Black, African, and Caribbean organizations in the Vancouver area. Performances by various artists included the African Heritage Drummers, singer Marcus Mosely, dancer Stephanie Mosely, and a group of young dancers and poets. The keynote speaker for the evening was the late politician, feminist and social activist Rosemary Brown.
Film highlights of the career of the legendary Jeni Legon, the first black female actor to have a major role in an American film. The event was held at the Pacific Cinematique in Vancouver and included a question and answer session with Ms. Legon.
An afternoon devoted to honouring the singers and musicians of the past who have made an impact on the music scene in Vancouver and Canada. Leon Bibb was the master of ceremonies. The honourees were: Eleanor Collins, Pearl Brown, Linton Garner, Ernie King, and Jeni Legon.
A day devoted to youth which included a variety of discussions on issues of importance, including discrimination, safety, cultural identity, responsibility, and aids. The discussion sessions were the following: Teen Self Defense Program; Black Youth and Human Rights; Youth and Your Health; Music Mentors; Sports Heroes; and Percussion Workshop.
The Black Exposition was a weekend designed to promote both business and culture. Produced at the Roundhouse Community Centre in Vancouver, this event featured artistic performances in the Performance Centre, businesses displaying their products and/or services in the exhibition hall, discussions and forums in conference rooms, and a literary presentation as well.
The Welcome To Our Future Project consisted of three divergent events which celebrate the black community entering the new millennium. This project was produced in the spring, and was supported primarily by a grant from the Province of British Columbia.
This was a weekend program, the final event of Black History Month in which several other organizations produced various programs. The performance centre was used for spoken word, Haitian dance, classical jazz, gospel and hip-hop. Several Black businesses displayed their products and services in the exhibition hall.
The Indigenous Welcoming Ceremony represented an opportunity for the black community, as represented by the Black Historical and Cultural Society, to recognize the Coast Salish communities and the First Nations as the first sovereign people to inhabit this territory. The First Nations, as represented by The Squamish Nation, offered a traditional, spiritual welcoming to people of African descent. A Burning Ceremony was performed by Eugene, a spiritual leader with the Squamish Nation. By tradition, our community is obligated to repeat the ceremony every four years. The traditional welcoming was performed by Floyd Joseph, a hereditary chief of the Squamish Nation. Performances were held at the Squamish Nation Recreation Centre, which featured singing, dancing, and spoken word presentations by members of both communities.
This event offered young people an opportunity to meet and discuss issues such as race relations, self-esteem, identity, and what it means to be a successful individual. The participants were divided into groups that were lead by university students. The event took place at GM Place and was underwritten by The Vancouver Grizzlies Basketball Team. Janet Taylor, a practicing psychiatrist, monitored the session.
Opening Celebration
The Opening Celebration of Black History Month 2002 was held at Big Al’s Taste of Louisiana Restaurant. This event was dedicated to black men. Emcee Lloyd Davis highlighted the achievements of those men who distinguished themselves over the past 400 years of Canadian history. Jack O’dell, an associate of the late Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., gave the keynote address. Two men were honoured for their outstanding achievements: poet and writer Wade Compton, who subsequently released the book ‘Bluesprint: Black British Columbia Literature and Orature, and Sean Millington, former Canadian Football League Most Valuable Player recipient.
Opening Celebration
The Opening was held at the main branch of the Vancouver Public Library and was titled ‘Sisters Journey’, the name of a graphic art print by renowned artist Larry “Poncho” Brown, commissioned to honour those afflicted with breast cancer. The event emcee was Kameka Headley and featured inspirational poetry and songs by Dione Ayivon, Barbara Taylor, Tess Kingston, Kim Smith-Jensen, and 2BM. Several ‘Women of Distinction’ were honoured, including: Dr. Jeni Legon, Thelma Gibson Townes, Rosemary Brown, Michelle Lee Williams, Nalda Callander, Yvonne Brown, Lolly Bennett, Sadie Khuen, Janice Jones, and Dr. Carole Christensen.
The keynote address was delivered by BC Supreme Court Justice Therese Alexander, a descendent of the Alexander family who were among the first homesteaders on Salt Spring Island. Masabo Culture Company dancers and the ‘Soul Survivors’ steel band closed the evening entertainment. This event was supported entirely by the sponsorship of black businesses, with Soul 2 Soul Urban Wear and Hair Salon as the principal donor.