Victoria, BC – On February 8, 2025, the Royal BC Museum will be partnering on a day of engaging, free events to showcase the legacy of Black communities in British Columbia. The celebration, in partnership with the BC Black History Awareness Society and the University of Victoria, will offer a rich lineup of activities for visitors.
The museum is set to host dynamic display booths from local organizations, organized by the BC Black History Awareness Society, from 1–4 p.m. Attendees will have the chance to meet direct descendants of Black Pioneer families that arrived in BC and hear their personal stories, explore family histories, and view a collection of images, artifacts and archival materials. One of the highlights of the afternoon will be a presentation by Ron Nicholson on the No. 2 Construction Battalion, Canada’s first and only all-Black unit during World War I.
At 5 p.m., the celebration will shift to the Resistance and Resilience: A Black History Month Evening cultural fashion show in collaboration with the University of Victoria and the BC Black History Awareness Society. The fashion show will feature local designs and African prints, with students, families, and other community members modelling the outfits. Throughout the event, Black history radio capsules, created by students, and produced by Radio Victoria, will be played to share important stories and historical insights.
“As we celebrate BC Black History and Heritage Day, we reflect on the invaluable contributions of Black communities throughout our province’s history,” says Tracey Drake, CEO of the Royal BC Museum. “The Royal BC Museum remains dedicated to fostering inclusivity and understanding, while recognizing the diverse stories that shape our shared history. We are grateful to our community partners for joining us in honouring this meaningful celebration.”
The events of the day are made possible through the support of local organizations dedicated to celebrating and preserving Black history and culture in Victoria and across the province.
"We are really excited about the collaboration between BC Black History Awareness Society, Royal BC Museum and the French and Francophone Studies section of the School of Languages, Linguistics and Cultures at the University of Victoria to provide this bilingual history, culture and fashion event for the community,” says Jamila Douhaibi, Executive Director of the BC Black History Awareness Society. “This inaugural event has been many months in the making, and we can't wait for everyone to appreciate local African designers while learning more about Black history."
These events also create a great opportunity for people to learn more about the diversity of African cultures.
“We’re thrilled to partner with the BC Black History Awareness Society and Royal BC Museum in celebrating the legacy of Afro-Canadian communities in British Columbia for Black History Month,” says Kevin Hall, President of the University of Victoria. “University of Victoria is committed to supporting research and initiatives that enhance inclusive excellence on our campus and in our community. We are proud to support this event that brings together students from the School of Languages, Linguistics and Cultures, the UVic Students of Colour Collective, and our community for what will be an engaging, fun and educational cultural evening celebrating the achievements of members of the African diaspora in BC.”
The Royal BC Museum in partnership with BC Black History Awareness Society also offers a variety of resources about Black history in British Columbia. These resources include:
- The Black History Research Guide with BC Archives. The guide has recently been updated to add important additions of records relating to Wellington Delaney Moses, who was known as the “Black Barber of Barkerville” and audio recordings of performances that include the vocals of jazz singer Eleanor Collins.
- Diversity in Early Black Communities Learning Portal showcases the diversity in early Black communities in British Columbia.
- Hope Meets Action Learning Portal explores the ways in which we can better understand the experiences and contributions of Black British Columbians to correct historical erasure.
- Hope Meets Action travelling exhibition presents the story of Afro-diasporic “British Columbia” history, past, present and future. Currently at the White Rock Museum & Archives, this exhibition will be travelling for the first time to Cariboo and Nechako regions of BC in the communities of Prince George, Smithers and Burns Lake later this year.
To learn more about the BC Black History and Heritage events and other events happening at the Royal BC Museum, visit: Events Calendar.
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About the Royal BC Museum: The Royal BC Museum, which includes BC Archives, IMAX® Victoria and PARC Campus, is one of the oldest continually operating museums in Canada. A centre of learning and research, it strives to broaden our understanding of British Columbia through collections, exhibitions, outreach and community engagement. The museum celebrates the province’s diverse landscapes and the lives of the people who live here, enables research and knowledge sharing that advances our understanding of our world, and provides a dynamic place for discussion and reflection. IMAX® Victoria delivers educational and entertaining experiences that accompany the learning journey the museum offers.
The Royal BC Museum is located on the traditional territories of the Lekwungen peoples, known today as the Songhees and Xʷsepsəm (Esquimalt Nation). We acknowledge and respect the history of Indigenous peoples, who are our partners in museum matters and community alike.
For information about PARC Campus, visit: PARC Campus | Royal BC Museum and Archives
