Celebrate and honour Black History Month this February!
In addition to attending the highlighted events, learning more about a few of Victoria’s many Black voices and establishments are a wonderful way to show community support.
While we weren’t able to mention everyone, there is a platform that has all of the confirmed Black owned businesses in and around Victoria (and other parts of the world) if you wish to take a look!
Here are a few of the many ways in which you can support Black History Month, including attending events, taking a look at Black artists, and visiting Black businesses:
Events
Black History Month: Food at UVic
On both Thursday, February 13th and Thursday, February 27th, UVic’s Scarborough Charter Steering Committee and University Food Services are hosting lunches for Black History Month.
Everyone is invited to enjoy some African and Caribbean inspired dishes at The Cove in the Cheko’nien House.
Food offerings include Caribbean jerk chicken, Jollof rice, roasted Suya mixed peppers and sweet potatoes, and Salabia (fried bread).
Offerings change depending on the day.
- Where: UVic, 3800 Finnerty Road
- When: Thursday, February 13th and Thursday, February 27th from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Mentor Tea
Join the BC Black History Awareness Society (BCBHAS) as they highlight the elders in our community that do a tremendous job upholding culture and sharing history for the next generation.
Bring your loved ones and/or mentors of your own and share stories. There will also be a photobooth with a professional photographer so you can carry the memories with you.
BCBHAS is honoured to bring in Louise Rose, a powerful musician and presence in the community.
Tea and food are included.
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- Where: Baumann Centre at Pacific Opera Victoria, 925 Balmoral Road
- When: Sunday, February 16th from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Ross Bay Cemetery Guided Tour
Led by BCBHAS, this Ross Bay Cemetery Guided tour takes attendees to over 50 Black Pioneer and/or their descendants’ graves.
As described, participants will learn how and why their lives were influential in the migration of Blacks to the British Colony.
Cost is $5 for the general public and $2 for BCBHAS members. Arrive by 1:45 p.m. to purchase your ticket.
- Where: Ross Bay Cemetery, 1495 Fairfield Road
- When: Sunday, February 23rd from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. (arrive by 1:45 p.m.)
Music and Words
The Belfry Theatre will be hosting BCBHAS’ Music and Words event, where guests will join them in celebrating the power of music and words.
Featuring Noedy Hechavarria Duharte on sax, and accompanied by Miguelito Valdes playing the trumpet, Ken Lister on bass, Nick Peck playing piano, and Hans Verheoven on drums.
Plus, Hector Ramos Mejias will be performing as a special guest on percussions.
Tickets are by donation and can be purchased via Eventbrite.
- Where: Belfry Theatre, 1291 Gladstone Avenue
- When: Monday, February 24th from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Activism & the Arts: d’bi.young anitafrika
Award-winning playwright-performer, director-dramaturge and activist-scholar d’bi.young anitafrika is this year’s Lehan Family Activism & the Arts Lecturer, who will be speaking on the topic of “Dub Performance as Decolonial Praxis.”
d’bi.young anitafrika is the author of 12 plays, seven albums and four poetry collections. Widely anthologised, this Siminovitch Prize finalist “embodies, creates and teaches decolonial performance praxis on a global scale.”
This talk is free to attend and will take place in Phoenix Theatre on UVic’s campus at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, February 25th.
- Where: Phoenix Theatre on UVic’s campus, 3800 Finnerty Road
- When: Tuesday, February 25th from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Book Club: Kindred by Octavia Butler
In honour of Black History Month, Bolen Books will be reading and discussing Kindred by Octavia Butler—a groundbreaking blend of historical and science fiction that remains as powerful today as when it was published in 1979.
Whether you’re a returning member or joining for the first time, they’re welcoming everyone who wishes to be a part of the conversation.
Purchase a copy and RSVP to secure your spot.
- Where: Bolen Books, 1644 Hillside Avenue #111
- When: Wednesday, February 26th from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
The 7th Annual African Eloquence Youth Celebration 2025
As described, the African Eloquence Youth Celebration is a cultural outreach event that celebrates the vitality of Africa and promotes higher education among African youth of Greater Victoria.
This event will feature an exhibition that includes traditional clothing, artwork, performances and educational presentations.
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- Where: David Lam Auditorium in the MacLaurin Building, UVic, 3800 Finnerty Road
- When: Saturday, March 1st from 4:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
People and Places
Esi Edugyan
Esi Edugyan, an award-winning Ghanaian Canadian novelist, has published a number of exceptional works and has become an influential part of the Canadian literary canon.
Some of her work includes Half-Blood Blues, published in 2011, which was shortlisted for the Man Booker Prize, Scotiabank Giller Prize, Rogers Writers’ Trust Fiction Prize, and Governor General’s Award for English-language fiction.
She ended up winning the Giller for Half-Blood Blues as well as for her third novel Washington Black, which was published in 2018.
She lives in Victoria with her husband, Steven Price, who is a novelist and poet.
Blue Nile: Restaurant
Family owned and operated, Blue Nile is a restaurant that offers authentic and delicious East African cuisine.
They also serve Bunna (Ethiopian coffee). They bring it in from Ethiopia, and prepare it in the traditional way.
- Where: 1724 Douglas Street
- When: Monday to Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Louise Rose
Louise Rose is often referred to as a Canadian icon and/or legend, and for good reason!
Not only is she an exceptionally talented musician, she is also a motivational speaker, a mentor and a powerful presence amongst family and the community.
She often plays at Hermann’s Jazz Club, and you can check their schedule, here. Keep an eye out for her!
Issamba Centre
The Issamba Centre is an arts and cultural community contributor, and has hosted a number of impactful events to promote Black voices and provide support for Black youth.
Through arts, education and community engagement, they promote African and Caribbean cultures and foster understanding and inclusion.
They also host the popular AfriCa Fest that takes place in the early summer.
- Where: 2722 Fifth Street #209
- When: Monday to Friday from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Conjure Hand
Victoria Buzz recently featured Conjure Hand in our New Music Monday series!
As described, this band makes music that is inspired by blues and soul of the 1970s, lyrically sharing the stories of Black history and lower class struggles throughout the Americas.
It’s been a busy year for the band as they have played shows throughout the city and have gained a solid following. One highlight of the year was playing a CFUV fundraiser event in the summer to a sold-out Lucky Bar.
Additionally, they have a show coming up with a few other local bands if you’re hoping to check them out live! They’ll be posting tickets to their website soon.
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- Where: First Metropolitan United (Fellowship Hall), 932 Balmoral Road
- When: Saturday, March 1st at 6:30 p.m. (doors open at 6 p.m.)
If we’ve missed an upcoming Black History Month event, or you wish to see another creator/business mentioned, let us know at tips@victoriabuzz.com!
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