The Royal BC Museum will host a day of what they say will be engaging, free events to showcase the legacy of Black communities in B.C. in partnership with the BC Black History Awareness Society and the University of Victoria.
On Feb. 8, the museum will host display booths from local organizations between 1 and 4 p.m. Attendees will have the chance to meet direct descendants of Black pioneer families that arrived in B.C. and hear their personal stories, explore family histories, and view a collection of images, artifacts and archival materials.
At 5 p.m., the celebration will shift to Resistance and Resilience: A Black History Month Evening cultural fashion show, featuring local designs and African prints modelled by students, families, and other community members.
“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," said Jamila Douhaibi, executive director of the BC Black History Awareness Society, in a news release.
According to the museum, one of the afternoon's highlights will be a presentation by Ron Nicholson on the No. 2 Construction Battalion, Canada’s first and only all-Black unit during the First World War.
"As we celebrate B.C. Black History and Heritage Day, we reflect on the invaluable contributions of Black communities throughout our province’s history,” noted Tracey Drake, CEO of the Royal BC Museum, in the release. “The Royal BC Museum remains dedicated to fostering inclusivity and understanding, while recognizing the diverse stories that shape our shared history.”
