The British Columbia Black History Awareness Society (BCBHAS) celebrates the achievements of Black people in British Columbia by creating an awareness of the history of Blacks in B.C., stimulating interest in the contributions of persons of African ancestry to B.C. and Canada today, and celebrating historical and contemporary achievements in the arts, education, government, sports, science etc. The non-profit Society was formed in February 1994. Since March 2019 the Society is a charity registered with the Canada Revenue Agency.
May 4, 2024 – BCBHAS receives “Certificate of Merit” from BC Historical Federation
On May 4, 2024 BCBHAS was presented with this Certificate of Merit by the British Columbia Historical Federation. We are very honoured to receive this certificate and that our Executive Director, Jamila Douhaibi attended the event that was part of the annual BCHF Conference in Chilliwack.
“For 30 years of work creating awareness of Black History in B.C., celebrating historical and contemporary achievements and contributions” signed by Rosa Flinton-Brown, President BCHF, May 4, 2024
February 15th, 2022 Government House announced: The Honourable Janet Austin, Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia “I am proud to share I am now Honorary Patron of the BC Black History Awareness Society, whose tireless efforts highlight the stories and achievements of Black Canadians from past and present, all year round.”
BCBHAS President Silvia Mangue Alene is at Government House with the Lieutenant Governor for the announcement.
About our Logo: A tree is a symbol of the unity of humanity. Trees are an integral part of British Columbia’s landscape. The roots represent the ties that bind people of African descent to the province. Black roots in BC’s history run deep. The line between the roots and tree recalls that lives of people of African descent in Canada and the world have been disrupted by a history of slavery, colonialism and prejudice. The branches in various shades of brown represent the variations of the African diaspora in Canada and everywhere. The colour green represents the land Africans were forcibly removed from to slavery and the many lands in which people of African heritage now make their homes. The colour red represents the blood spilled, past and present, in struggles for justice and equity. The central black colour represents growth and resilience and the place of pride in the importance and influence of Black culture and history.
Design by Chris Heffley
Narrative: BC Black History Awareness Society
The Society’s purpose is:
- To advance education by researching, documenting and disseminating information to the general public about the past, present and future contributions and achievements of Black people to British Columbia to increase understanding and awareness, promote diversity and overcome stereotypes; and
- To benefit the community by advancing knowledge, preservation, and displaying of items of historical significance concerning Black British Columbians; and
- To advance education by organizing and implementing conferences, workshops, presentations and cultural information programs to bring together diverse people within the public at large who have an interest in promoting, educating and learning about British Columbia and Canadian Black history and people; and
- To advance education by presenting programs to encourage youth and children to develop an interest in the achievements of Black people in British Columbia and Canada as part of developing an interest in their community and the world; and
- To benefit the community through promoting racial diversity by offering education, assistance and opportunities for Black people in British Columbia who face unique social and economic barriers to incorporate into the multicultural society of Canada.
- Read more about our History and how we fulfill our purpose.
- BCBHAS BYLAWS 2020-Nov-22
What can the BCBHAS do for you?
- Provide a sense of community for people with an interest in BC Black History and Black history in general.
- Provide social and educational activities for families and individuals.
- Help you develop skills in public/community relations, communications, event planning and management, non-profit operations and administration.
What can you do for the BCBHAS?
- Support BCBHAS events and activities.
- Share this website
- Become a member and contribute your talents, skills, and ideas to our committees and at general meetings.
- Donate to the Society.
Board of Directors: 2023 / 2024
President: Silvia Mangue Alene
Treasurer: Paul Schachter
Secretary: Fran Morrison
Events & Membership: Megan Stuart
Director at Large: Karen Hoshal, Barbra Hudlin, Michel Ndiom, Rachael Otukol
Executive Director: Jamila Douhaibi