Black History Month
The City of Richmond celebrates and honours Black History Month in February with various events and activities that pay tribute to the legacy and rich cultural heritage of the Black community in Canada. In celebration of Black History Month, Richmond residents and visitors will have the opportunity to engage in discussions, immersive exhibits and vibrant performances that highlight the significant achievements and resilience of Black individuals throughout history.
The City of Richmond, through the development of the Cultural Harmony Plan, is committed to strengthening intercultural connection, fostering a sense of unity and understanding and acknowledging the invaluable impact of Black Canadians on our society. This month-long celebration promotes inclusivity, diversity, and appreciation for the diverse narratives that shape our collective history and the rich cultural heritage of our community.
Richmond Cultural Centre
Black Artists and Creators in Our Community Exhibition
Feb 2-29
Artists Ruby Smith Díaz and Tosin Peters are featured at the Upper Rotunda Gallery in the Richmond Cultural Centre for this year’s Black Artists and Creators in Our Community exhibition. The artworks on display demonstrate a range of techniques and materials, from painting and mixed media to digital art and photography. Organized annually each February since 2016, the exhibition recognizes and honours the legacy, culture and contributions of Black Canadians and their communities. This program is presented in partnership with Richmond Black History Month, led by Mary Wilson, 2022 Richmond Arts Award recipient for Cultural Leadership.
Mon-Fri, 9:00am-9:00pm; Sat & Sun, 10:00am-5:00pm
Upper Rotunda Gallery, Richmond Cultural Centre, 7700 Minoru Gate
Artistic Ode to Black History – An Artist Talk with Tosin Peters
Sat, Feb 17, 1:30-2:30pm
Join artist Tosin Peters for an artist talk and reflections on the current exhibition that marries the power of words with the evocative forces of visual art. Drawing inspiration from their collection of poetry, "Letters to Untitled," the exhibition celebrates the multifaceted and profound stories within the Black and African experience.
Upper Rotunda Gallery, Richmond Cultural Centre, 7700 Minoru Gate
Family Day at Richmond Children’s Arts Festival –
Mdundo Arts: A bodily and rhythmic conversation between the West and East Afrida
Mon, Feb 19, 1:30-2:15pm
This performance showcases a captivating and dynamic dialogue between two distinct African regions, featuring traditional dances and rhythms from Uganda, Rwanda, East Africa, and Guinea, West Africa. The artist has thoughtfully curated each element to create a compelling and engaging experience for the audience, particularly as we celebrate Family Day in Richmond. This piece is choreographed by Edward Sembatya in collaboration with N’Nato Camara, Angel Muhorakeye, Erich Neitz, and Eavan Blue. Eavan Blue, Angelique Muhorakeye, Erich Neitz, N’Nato Camara, Edward Sembatya.
More information: Children's Arts Festival
Richmond Public Library
Children’s Trivia
Month of February - Drop-In
“Who am I?” trivia is a month-long activity for children to learn more about local black history and personalities.
Info: Who am I?
Musical Performance
Sat, Feb 3, 1:00-2:00pm - Drop-In
An appearance by Checo Tohomaso, with a musical performance for children and families.
Info: Music with Checo Tohomaso
Film Club
Sat, Feb 6 and 20
Film screenings for families and adults of Black-centred stories with Black-led casts as well as titles that celebrate and recognize Black History Month.
The Family Film Club is drop-in. The Saturday films are:
The Princess and the Frog (Feb 3, 2:00-4:00pm), Kid’s Program Room First Floor
Spiderman across the Spider-Verse (Sat, Feb 10, 11:45am-4:00pm) (film is on a loop so repeats), Kid’s Program Room First Floor
Soul (Feb 17, 11:45am–4:00pm) (film is on a loop so repeats), Kid’s Program Room First Floor
Ruby Bridges (Sat, Feb 24, 2:00-4:00pm), 2nd Floor Program Room
Community Table: BHM Stamps - Drop-In
Thu, Feb 15, 3:30-5:00pm
A community table hosted by Jackie Bailey from Canada Post, to showcase this year’s Black History Month stamp. The 2024 stamp will feature Mary Ann Shadd, an influential abolitionist and the first Black woman to publish a newspaper in North America.
Info: Community Table: BHM Stamps
Speaker Presentation
Sun, Feb 25, 12:30-1:30pm
An in-person guest speaker presentation by Lindagene Coyle, Vice President Emerita from Kwantlen Polytechnic University, and one-time Visible Minority Representative on the BC Labour Force Development Board. Lindagene has delivered many talks on Valuing Diversity, Unlearning Racism, and other issues related to diversity equity and inclusion. Registration required.
Info: Black Inventors, with Lindagene Coyle
Online Author Talk
Sun, Feb 25, 11:00am-noon
A virtual author talk with Sheila Murray, author of Finding Edward. Presented in a hybrid format, with attendance expected of participants from Richmond and beyond. Registration required.
Online: Sheila Murray
In-person: Sheila Murray
Richmond Art Gallery
Exhibition: Let the real world in
Jan 20-Mar 31
Let the real world in presents contemporary videos by Kirsten Leenaars, Yoshua Okón and Wapikoni Mobile that feature children and youth expressing their perspectives on the world around them. The exhibition also features a specially commissioned series of screen prints by local artist Yaimel López Zaldívar in response to the videos.
Talkback Tour with Daniella Barreto
Sat, Feb 10, 2:00-3:00pm
Talkback Tours are free drop-in sessions where gallery staff invite community members to share their responses and ideas of our exhibitions. This session features local activist and podcaster Daniella Barreto with curator Zoë Chan for a discussion of Let the Real World In.
Details and to register: Talkback Tour with Daniella Barreto
Artist Salon Social with Yaimel López Zaldívar
Sat, Feb 24, 1:00-4:00pm
Exhibiting artist Yaimel López Zaldívar will introduce his practice as an artist and graphic designer, followed by a hands-on making session inspired by his works. Learn more about his artistic journey from Cuba to Canada, and how the intersecting experiences of Cuban and Canadian life has enabled him to expand his approach to art-making. This session will be hosted both online and in-person.
Details and to register: Artist Salon: Printmaking with Yaimel Lopez Zaldivar
Family Day at Richmond Children’s Arts Festival
Mon, Feb 19
Drop-In Print Making, 10:00am-4:00pm
Drop in printmaking activity at the Imagination Station in the Richmond Cultural Centre Atrium with local artist Yaimel López Zaldívar. Learn about Yaimel’s art in the Art Gallery exhibition, then make your own colourful artwork using similar printing methods.
Self-Guided Visit at the Richmond Art Gallery, 10:00am-4:00pm
Drop-in throughout the day to view the current exhibitions, including Black-Canadian artists, and create a small drawing in response to the art you see. Your drawings can be taken home, or hung up on the community gallery walls in the Hope Smith Art Lounge. No registration required, children must be accompanied by an adult. Free drop-in.
Creativity Classes: Storytime at Richmond Art Gallery, 12:30-1:30pm or 2:00-3:00pm
In connection to the exhibition Let the real world in, I Dream Library will host an interactive story-time for ages 6-10, followed by experiments with literary collage techniques to make unique artworks on paper. All materials and instruction provided. Limited to 25 participants, pre-registration is required.
More info: RAG Family Day