Black History Month takes place in February in recognition of the history, contributions and culture of Canadians of African and African-American descent.
In 2023, Black History Month runs from February 1st to 28th (so for the whole month).
For more information about what’s happening this year, continue reading below or click Black History Month in Vancouver.
Black History Month in Vancouver
February is Black History Month in both Canada and the United States (where 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 2023 is “Resistance”.
Black History Month Events
Some of the events taking place in Vancouver in 2023 are listed below. There are film screenings, performances and other events. Some of the events we list are specifically “Black History Month” events. Others though simply feature African-American talent and just happen to take place in February.
(Note: Times, dates and other details are subject to change. See official websites for more information.)
Film Screenings in 2023
Black History Month film screenings take place at various theatres in the Lower Mainland, including the Vancity Theatre at 1181 Seymour Street and the Rio Theatre at 1660 East Broadway in Vancouver.
Note: Details below are subject to change.
Wednesday, February 1st (2023)
- Malcolm X – at 6:30 pm at the Vancity Theatre.
- Black Girl – at 5:45 pm at the Rio Theatre.
- Malcolm X – at 7:45 pm at the Rio Theatre.
Thursday, February 2nd (2023)
- Malcolm X – at 12:30 pm at the Vancity Theatre.
- In the Heat of the Night – movie screening for seniors at the Vancouver Public Library Central Branch at 10:00 am.
Friday, February 3rd (2023)
- Get Out – at 11:30 pm at the Rio Theatre.
- The Woman King – at 6:00 pm at the Mount Pleasant Branch of the Vancouver Public Library.
Sunday, February 5th (2023)
- In the Heat of the Night – at 7:30 pm at the Vancity Theatre.
Sunday, February 12th (2023)
- The Bingo Long Traveling All-Stars & Motor Kings – at 5:30 pm at the Vancity Theatre.
Tuesday, February 14th (2023)
- Purple Rain – at 6:20 pm at the Vancity Theatre.
- Under the Cherry Moon – at 8:35 pm at the Vancity Theatre.
Wednesday, February 15th (2023)
- Under the Cherry Moon – at 1:00 pm at the Vancity Theatre.
Friday, February 17th (2023)
- Django Unchained – at 9:00 pm at the Vancity Theatre.
Sunday, February 19th (2023)
- Widows – at 2:30 pm at the Vancity Theatre.
Tuesday, February 28th (2023)
- Black Panther – at 7:45 pm at the Vancity Theatre.
- The Watermelon Woman – at 6:00 pm at the Firehall Branch of the Vancouver Public Library.
Shows and Performances in 2023
Various performances that take place across Vancouver during the first few days of Black History Month are listed below. Details are subject to change.
Wednesday, February 1st (2023)
- Guilt and Company – ebonEmpress performs at 7:00 pm at 1 Alexander Street in Gastown.
Friday, February 3rd (2023)
- House of Comedy – Preacher Lawson from America’s Got Talent entertains at the House of Comedy in New Westminster.
Saturday, February 4th (2023)
- 11th Annual Songs of Freedom – a Musical Celebration of Black History Month with Louise Rose, the Marcus Mosely Ensemble, Khari Wendell McClelland and more at 7:30 pm at Christ Church Cathedral at 690 Burrard Street.
- House of Comedy – Preacher Lawson from America’s Got Talent entertains at the House of Comedy in New Westminster.
Sunday, February 5th (2023)
- House of Comedy – Preacher Lawson from America’s Got Talent entertains at the House of Comedy in New Westminster.
Thursday, February 9th (2023)
- Black Futures Month – Janette King, Kia Kadari, Lowkita and others perform at 8:00 pm at the Calabash Bistro at 428 Carrall Street.
Saturday, February 11th (2023)
- House of Comedy – Preacher Lawson from America’s Got Talent entertains at the House of Comedy in New Westminster.
- Level Up: Queer Hip-Hop Dance Party – a special dance party featuring several performers and artists at 9:30 pm at Eastside Studios at 550 Malkin Avenue.
Sunday, February 12th (2023)
- Jazz Vespers – At Northwood United Church in Surrey with the Marcus Mosley Ensemble. Admission is by donation.
Friday, February 17th (2023)
- Just For Laughs – Baron Vaughn at 9:30 pm at the Biltmore Cabaret at 2755 Prince Edward Street.
- Root Dwellers Music Showcase – Feven Kidane, Ndidi Cascade and Haleluya Hailu perform in honour of Black History Month at 8:00 pm at The Anza Club at 3 West 8th Avenue in Vancouver.
Saturday, February 25th (2023)
- Black History Month Jam – organized by the INUA Collective Society, this family-friendly event features live music and African dance vibes at the Outpost at 3001 St Johns Street in Port Moody at 5:00 pm.
- Black Futures – a collaborative concert featuring Saul Williams, Moor Mother and Irreversible Entanglements at 7:00 pm at the Chan Shun Concert Hall at 6265 Crescent Road in Vancouver.
Other Black History Community Events in 2023
Below is a selection of other events taking place during Black History Month in Metro Vancouver in 2023.
Wednesday, February 15th (2023)
- Building Black British Columbia with Social Media – a discussion with Dr. Handel Kashope Wright, Balqees Jama and Debbie Forbes at the Vancouver Public Library Central Branch at 6:30 pm.
Saturday, February 18th (2023)
- Black History Month Family Day – a free event with African music, food and kids activities from 12:00 to 3:00 pm at the Victoria Community Hall at 3435 Victoria Drive in Coquitlam.
Thursday, February 23rd (2023)
- Black Queer Poetry Slam – a free Vancouver Winter Arts Festival poetry slam competition and other activities outside the Vancouver Art Gallery starting at 4:00 pm.
Friday, February 24th (2023)
- As We Rise Exhibition – opening night of the photography exhibit championing Black artists at North Vancouver’s Polygon Gallery.
Other Information
For more details click Black History Month in Vancouver.
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.
