Black History Month at VIU

Each year, Canadians mark Black History Month in February to recognize the contributions, accomplishments and ongoing inequities of Black and African descent Canadians and people living in Canada.  

There are a variety of events and activities being organized to celebrate this important month at VIU. We hope to see you there!

Featured guests on VIUSU’s social media channels

The VIU Students’ Union has several special guests lined up to take over their Instagram channel throughout the month. Stay tuned to Instagram for more details!

Special menu in the cafeteria

February 14 to 17, VIU’s Culinary Arts program will celebrate Black History Month with a week of food features that can be purchased in the cafeteria (Building 300). Menu items inspired by the African Diaspora will be on offer throughout the week.

Black History Month event at the pub

Come to the Campus Pub for a special event featuring two talented Black artists – DJ Nova Jade and GreenEyedLion – on February 9 starting at 8 pm. This will be an evening of music, dancing, art, drink specials and fun, with opening remarks from Jovonne Johnson of Risebridge Project.

Music and history at VIU Cowichan

Celebrate Canada's Black History with Diana Braithwaite! Black-Canadians have many wonderful and proud stories to celebrate with the world! Blues singer and Black historian Diana Braithwaite takes the audience back in time to look at some of the interesting stories and individuals that have played an important role in making up Canada’s rich history throughout the years. Her Black history talk takes place Friday, February 17 from 7 to 8 pm at VIU’s Cowichan campus. This year British Columbia’s Black History will be highlighted and due to popular demand, Diana will re-tell her own family's personal uplifting story about their journey to Canada through the underground railroad. The presentation will include slides and videos. Event is FREE. Learn more and register via Eventbrite.

Resources 

Want to learn more about Black history and experiences in BC and Canada? BC Black History Awareness Society has a variety of in-person and livestream events you can attend, as well as a learning centre where you are encouraged to explore, discover, learn, and share. 

CBC’s Being Black in Canada “offers a window into the struggles while celebrating the culture and achievements of the Black communities. With its focus on the diverse stories and experiences of Black Canadians, and a breadth of content in many formats, it will help expand everyone’s knowledge and understanding of the Black communities and with it build the pride and appreciation they so richly deserve.”