Learning Centre

Pioneers and History Makers: Bios, Stories, Features and Articles

“In 1858, nearly 800 free Blacks left the oppressive racial conditions of San Francisco for a new life on Vancouver Island” Some of their stories are here as well as biographies, stories, personal accounts, articles about 20th century  history makers and influencers here in BC.

BC Black History Timeline Publication

Events in B.C. as well as some significant events in Canada, the United States and/or globally with respect to Black settlement in BC and the experiences of Blacks in BC. 

Explore the digital timeline

Black Canadians in the 21st Century

“.. shifting the collective thinking about who we are and what we contribute to the world “ as well as some demographic information from Statistics Canada.

BCBHAS bilingual exhibit with Digital Museums Canada "Their Industry and Character Influenced the Vision of Canada"
This national online exhibit was produced by BC Black History Awareness Society about BC Black Pioneers. It is fully bilingual and includes 20 short stories, some with videos and more than 80 archival images and materials.  About the project

Resources for Educators and Parents
All the resources in this Learning Centre could be used by educators and parents but here is a selection of resources, many with teaching information, guides and materials.

BCBHAS partnered with Royal BC Museum and Archives Learning Team to create this PATHWAY.
It includes Primary Sources Activities for grades 5 and up.

"Hope Meets Action: Echoes Through the Black Continuum" is now a travelling exhibition!

Written, told and designed by Black voices, this exhibition reclaims and retells our complex history across the centuries into the present. The exhibition was open at Royal BC Museum until March 2022.  About the exhibit. Parts of the exhibit can be viewed online.

Definitions
What does anti-Black racism mean? What’s the difference between discrimination and prejudice? Here are “key concepts relevant to race relations, promotion of Canadian identity, belonging and the mutuality of citizenship rights and responsibilities”.

Research Resources
Two great resources BC Archives Black History Records Research Guide in partnership with the BC Archives published in March 2024 and "The Catalogue" originally published in 1978 with ongoing updates - 11 sections providing references for education, legal issues, population, women, politics and more. Both resources provide links and/or references to additional materials.

Places of Interest

Explore Victoria, south Vancouver Island, Nanaimo and Salt Spring Island, Lower Mainland and Northern BC.

Slavery in Canada and the Underground Railroad
“Canada has its own history of slavery – and it is a history we should never forget” Canadian Museum of Human Rights; and Canada was also a refuge for freedom-seekers via the Underground Railroad.

Anti-Racism in B.C. and Canada: Struggle, Strategy, Resilience
“Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly. I can never be what I ought to be until you are what you ought to be.” Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commencement Address at Oberlin College, June 1965.

Canadian Organizations devoted to Black history
Link to resources that are uniquely Canadian; national and provincial; devoted to the promotion and awareness of Black Canadian history.

Black History Month and other commemorative days
“We are going back to that beautiful history and it is going to inspire us to greater achievements.” Carter G Woodson, Father of Black History Month.
In addition to BHM there are other days celebrated nationally and internationally that have relevance to the Black experience here in BC.

Youth EngagementOur Youth Engagement Coordinator used a series of workshops for youth to dive in and explore the five elements of Hip-Hop: Knowledge, MCing, DJing/Lyricism, Breakdancing/African dance, and Graffiti.

Rosie Jones and Joan Cook Memorial Bursary for Camosun College Students
This bursary was established to provide financial assistance for students with a heritage background.

UN Decade for People of African Descent: 2015-2024

Themes: Recognition, Justice, Development. “In proclaiming this Decade, the international community is recognizing that people of African descent represent a distinct group whose human rights must be promoted and protected ..”

Test Your Knowledge   
Earn a BC Black History Awareness Society Certificate!

Watch!a selection of family friendly videos, digital content and 1 full length documentary.