Black History Month takes place in February in recognition of the history, contributions and culture of Canadians of African and African-American descent.
In 2024, Black History Month ran from February 1st to 29th (so for the whole month).
For more information about this year’s event, continue reading below.
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Film Screenings | Shows and Performances | Other Community Events
Black History Month in Vancouver
February is Black History Month in both Canada and the United States (in America it is also known as African-American History Month). As a result, Vancouver features a number of performances and events that honour the achievements and contributions of Black Canadians.
The theme for Black History Month in 2024 was “Black Excellence: A Heritage to Celebrate; a Future to Build.”
Black History Month Events
Some of the events that took place in Vancouver in 2024 are listed below. There were film screenings, performances and other events. Most of the events we list are specifically “Black History Month” events.
(Note: Times, dates and other details were subject to change. See official websites for more information.)
Film Screenings in 2024
Black History Month film screenings take place in the Vancity Theatre and Studio Theatre at the VIFF Centre at 1181 Seymour Street in Vancouver.
Note: Details below were subject to change.
Friday, February 2nd (2024)
- Union Street – at 6:30 pm at the Vancity Theatre.
- Sorry to Bother You – at 8:30 pm at the Vancity Theatre.
Saturday, February 3rd (2024)
- Union Street – at 8:30 pm at the Vancity Theatre.
Sunday, February 4th (2024)
- A Tribute to Charles Officer: Mighty Jerome – at 4:00 pm at the Vancity Theatre.
- Union Street – at 6:00 pm at the Vancity Theatre.
- Talking About Trees – at 8:00 pm at the Vancity Theatre.
Monday, February 5th (2024)
- Union Street – at 4:15 pm at the Studio Theatre.
- Talking About Trees – at 6:20 pm at the Vancity Theatre.
- Sorry to Bother You – at 8:20 pm at the Vancity Theatre.
Tuesday, February 6th (2024)
- Union Street – at 4:30 pm at the Vancity Theatre.
Wednesday, February 7th (2024)
- Union Street – at 4:15 pm at the Studio Theatre and 8:50 pm at the Vancity Theatre.
Thursday, February 8th (2024)
- Max Roach: The Drum Also Waltzes + Feven Kidane Sextet Live – at 6:30 pm at the Vancity Theatre.
Thursday, February 15th (2024)
- All the Colours of the World Are Between Black and White – at 6:30 pm at the Vancity Theatre.
Thursday, February 22nd (2024)
- Black History Month: Short Film Showcase – at 7:00 pm and 8:15 pm at the Studio Theatre.
Thursday, February 29th (2024)
- When Morning Comes – at 6:30 pm at the Vancity Theatre.
For tickets and full details about the above events, see the VIFF website.
Shows and Performances in 2024
Various performances that took place across Vancouver during Black History Month this year are listed below. Details were subject to change.
Friday, February 2nd (2024)
- Acacia’s Black Parade – a special showcase of Black drag and burlesque performers, as well as multiple DJs. The event took place at The Birdhouse at 44 West 4th Avenue and started at 9:00 pm.
Saturday, February 3rd (2024)
- 12th Annual Songs of Freedom – a Musical Celebration of Black History Month with Jim Byrnes, the Marcus Mosely Ensemble, Sojourners and more at 7:30 pm at Christ Church Cathedral at 690 Burrard Street. (SOLD OUT)
Monday, February 5th (2024)
- Guilt and Company – ebonEmpress performed at 7:00 pm at 1 Alexander Street in Gastown.
Saturday, February 10th (2024)
- Black History Month Celebration – a celebration of Black History Month at the Central Branch of the Vancouver Public Library, located at 350 West Georgia Street. The event ran from 10:00 am until noon and was intended for children. There were singers, drummers, storytellers and other performers to entertain young ones.
Saturday, February 24th (2024)
- Underground Comedy Railroad Tour – an all-Black comedy show that featured Rodney Ramsey, Daniel Woodrow and more. There were two shows at The MOTN at 1826 Triumph Street in Vancouver. The first was at 7:00 pm and the second was at 9:00 pm.
Thursday, February 29th (2024)
- UBC’s Black History Month & Culture Celebration – a free event from 6:00 pm to 11:00 pm that took place at The Wise at 1882 Adanac Street in Vancouver. It featured a cultural fashion show plus performances by black poets, musicians and more.
Other Black History Community Events in 2024
Below is a selection of other events that took place during Black History Month in Metro Vancouver in 2024.
Saturday, February 3rd (2024)
- Visible Drag Brunch – an event at Good Co. Granville, located at 965 Granville Street in Vancouver. It included brunch and appearances by 10 drag icons. The event was hosted by Kendall Gender.
Saturday, February 24th (2024)
- Black History Month Celebration – a free event with African music, food and kids activities from 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm at the Mackin House at 1116 Brunette Avenue in Coquitlam.
Other Information
Other articles that might be of interest include the following:
- Vancouver’s February Calendar
- Free February Events
- Vancouver Festivals & Events
- Vancouver Shows & Entertainment
- Multicultural Heritage Months in Vancouver
Odihi is an organization that works to empower black women and girls. An event it hosts is the On Your Block Festival in New Westminster in the summer. Another similar but unrelated event in the summer is the Black Block Party in downtown Vancouver in August.
