Richmond celebrates Black History Month
28 January 2019
Celebrate the legacy of Black Canadians, past and present and their contributions to Canada’s history and culture. There will be eight free events and activities offered at the Richmond Cultural Centre and the Richmond Public Library from Friday, February 1 through Saturday, February 16. This year marks the fourth Black History Month in Richmond celebrated by the City and its partners.
The Richmond events for all ages are as follows:
Opening Ceremony
Friday, February 1, 6 to 7:15 p.m. (doors open at 5:30 p.m.)
This opening event features a presentation by Carole Christensen on Blacks in Canada: Acknowledging the Past and the Present to Envision the Future, and a musical performance by Checo Tohomaso and the VOC Sweet Soul Gospel Choir.
Richmond Cultural Centre Performance Hall, 7700 Minoru Gate
Art Exhibition
Friday, February 1 to Saturday, February 16 (open during Richmond Cultural Centre opening hours)
This exhibition features artists Akem and Odera Igbokwe as they explore the concepts of identity, culture and representation through their illustration and paintings. Akem’s Mythic Texture focuses on Black people living with joy and adventure as a counter-narrative to the negative images in the media. Odera’s Black History, Present and Afrofuturism explores Black historical figures, legends and mythologies from the African diaspora, and visions of Afrofuturism. The artists will be present at the opening ceremony on Friday, February 1 at 6 p.m. (doors open at 5:30 p.m.)
Richmond Cultural Centre Upper Rotunda Gallery, 7700 Minoru Gate
Reading and Storytelling for Children
Saturday, February 2, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Join presenter Carmencita Lake as she tells stories about the history and contributions of the Black people in Canada.
Richmond Public Library Kids Place Program Room, 7700 Minoru Gate
Living our Culture through Art, Dance and Community Events
Saturday, February 2, 2 to 4 p.m.
Discover Black culture through the dance performances of presenter Violet Haas and her dancers from Richmond and throughout the Lower Mainland.
Richmond Public Library Community Place Room, 7700 Minoru Gate
Film Screening: Black Panther
Wednesday, February 6, 6:30 to 9 p.m. (Doors open at 6 p.m.)
Discover why Black Panther is the highest-grossing film of 2018 and why this superhero movie has sparked powerful conversations about Black history and culture.
Richmond Cultural Centre Performance Hall, 7700 Minoru Gate
Beyond the Underground Railway; Feature on Viola Desmond
Thursday, February 7, 7 to 9 p.m.
Presented by Carmencita Lake, find out about the development of the Black community and its history in Canada and learn about the life of Viola Desmond, the first woman to appear on a Canadian bank note, and her fight against racial discrimination. There will be a discussion after the presentation.
Richmond Public Library Community Place Room, 7700 Minoru Gate
Long Forgotten or Never Known Black Inventors: The Many Cultures within the Black Diaspora
Saturday, February 9, 2 to 4 p.m.
Presenters Ernest Codrington and Wilbur Walrond will introduce a selection of Black inventors and their inventions along with a discussion of the many different cultures that exist within the Black community due to intermarriages, respectively.
Richmond Public Library Community Place Room, 7700 Minoru Gate
Book Displays
Friday, February 1 to Thursday, February 28
Open during Richmond Public Library operating hours
Book displays of books highlighting different aspects of Black history will be available for viewing and borrowing at all library branches throughout February.
Richmond Public Library, 7700 Minoru Gate
Background
The House of Commons officially recognized February as Black History Month in Canada in December 1995 following a motion introduced by the Honourable Jean Augustine, the first Black Canadian woman elected to Parliament. Every February, Black History Month festivities and events celebrate the many achievements and contributions of Black Canadians to Canadian society.
