Telling stories promotes cultural relations among people and inspiring them to examine history from different cultural perspectives and shaping the narration and combat stereotypes, racial discrimination and past injustices. Storytelling brings to life beliefs, traditions, norms and cultural perspectives of current and historic communities.

Sharing our history and stories helps to revitalise new ideas, knowledge and value in our community through: connecting the past and the future through a better understanding of people, their historic places, and unique cultures and languages, and; building more cohesive community through forging new relationships, community action and engagement, and building bridges between early African descent settlers and Indigenous people, learning from each other experiences and sharing ways to combat systemic, as well as internalized racism in all participants.

 In the 21st century, diversity, openness, and tolerance are vital national assets. They strengthen our societies and expand our capacity to meet our shared challenges and to seize the new opportunities before us. As we mark this International Decade for People of African Descent, Black History Month is an important showcase of the cultural strength and contribution of the Vancouver African descent Diasporas.

BHM-African Heritage Month is designed to be free and inclusive community event – we welcome and encourage a wide participation in all event activities – including immigrants, refugees, people of African descent, and the general public. Our events offer a range of opportunities for the enjoyment of Afro-Canadian artistic and cultural expression and sharing stories. Interactive audience events will be also be used to inform antiracism strategies.

 This event is designed to raise awareness of BC’s historic African descent population, as well as the contributions and experiences of its immigrant community (both past and present) and stimulate conversations and questions from audience. This history is submerged to many, and BHM will target Vancouver youth to promote intercultural understanding, and change perceptions about the Black community both locally and across BC. The event will explore Vancouver and BC historic black communities, and incorporate these with the antiracism conversations to build positive civic memory.

ADSBC believes that telling our stories helps to build bridges of cultural identity and understanding though conversation — promoting equal opportunities for individuals of different origins; as well as promoting citizenship, civic engagement and healthy democracy in society. Stories are intangible but they transmit heritage and culture. They share memories and reveal new intercultural understandings; they draw us together and shape our communities. Sharing our experiences helps to build civic engagement through exploration and an understanding of various issues in the past, present and future, leading to more informed decision making for our communities.

Government of Canada supports the creation of a national institute for Black Canadians”

Canada’s strength is in its diversity. The Government is committed to advancing diversity and taking positive measures to ensure all Canadians have a fair and equal chance at success. The Government of Canada is supporting initiatives that recognize the contributions of Black Canadians and acknowledge the significant and unique challenges in their communities.

In recognition of the United Nations International Decade for People of African Descent, Budget 2019 provided $25 million over five years starting in 2019-20, for projects and capital assistance to celebrate, share knowledge and build capacity in Canada’s vibrant Black Canadian communities.

The Government’s support will help stakeholders to create the first national institute for Black Canadians. The Canadian Institute for People of African Descent will work to advance initiatives that impact Black Canadians at a systemic level.

This supports the Government of Canada’s overarching goals to enhance the quality of life and promote the full participation of individuals in all aspects of Canadian society.