Victoria was the first stop for BC’s African Descent pioneers. It began with an invitation from Governor James Douglas to a community in San Francisco to come and enjoy rights that were not yet afforded in United States.  Soon enough, a scout party visited Vancouver Island and came back to their community with great reviews.  It wasn’t long before hundreds of people of African Descent who had suffered at the hand of slavery or laws enacted to strip them of their humanity were enjoying the reality of owning property, running a business or be able to vote and enjoy rights of citizenship north of the 49th parallel. Below are photos of pioneers, their families and people  who made history on Vancouver Island and British Columbia.