Many ways to celebrate Black History Month
February is Black History Month across Canada, and here in Prince George, the College of New Caledonia (CNC) and the Prince George African Heritage Society are working together to stage a series of events celebrating the 16th annual Black History Month.
Black History Month celebrates the many important contributions that Canadians of African descent have made to our country, our province, and our community. Recognizing the contributions of black soldiers as far back as the War of 1812, the settling of black Loyalists in Canada after the American Revolution, and the many countless other ways that Canadians of African descent have influenced and enriched Canadian culture and society, February was officially recognized as Black History Month by the House of Commons in 1995.
Here in Prince George, there will be many activities to celebrate Black History Month, with fun opportunities for the whole family. With everything from dance performances to cooking demonstrations, you will definitely find something to enjoy!
The celebration begins with the Main Event on Saturday, February 9. Kicking off a weekend of fun at the CNC cafeteria and atrium is a dinner at 6:30 p.m., followed by a series of performances beginning at 7:45. Performances by Cliff Raphael, Umoja and the Transfiguration Good News Band will keep you entertained, and at 9:30 p.m. the dance begins, with dance performances until midnight by the Caribbean Connection Dance Group. You can get tickets at the CNC Bookstore, the UNBC Bookstore, and Books & Company.
Starting on Monday, February 11, there will be a series of cooking demonstrations, so come and learn how to cook some amazing food. On Monday, February 11, Tony Schell, the owner of Serengeti Northern BC, will be demonstrating the art of South African cooking. The following Monday, February 18, Cynthia Golden of Caribbean Alterations will be doing a Caribbean cooking demonstration, and one week later, Courage Bonnefoy, the owner of Afro-Market, will be demonstrating West African cooking. All the cooking demonstrations will be held at First Baptist Church at 7 p.m., and tickets are available at the CNC Bookstore and Books & Company.
Finally, there’s fun for the whole family on Sunday, February 24, from 2 to 4 p.m. at the CNC Cafeteria. Come enjoy face-painting, story-telling, games, and dancing lessons. There are also drumming lessons featuring instructor Granville Johnson. This event is free and certain to be a great deal of fun.
We have had the pleasure of attending Black History Month events for many years. It is a wonderful reminder that we live in a culturally diverse community and that celebrating our differences and honouring each other’s contributions is important. Thank you so much to all the volunteers that make these events possible. Plan now to be a part of some of these great events.
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