Upcoming events
BLACK community events
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BLACK community events 〰️
boots to
broadway
starring the award-winning
loVena B. fox
Boots to Broadway is a Black History Month concert fundraiser presented by Hogan’s Alley Society and the Jr Black Achievement Awards Society, starring acclaimed actress, recording artist, and two-time Juno Award winner Lovena B. Fox.
This powerful homecoming performance celebrates legacy, reclamation, and the return of Black brilliance to the very neighbourhood that shaped it. Lovena’s family history is deeply rooted in Hogan’s Alley—her father, musician and club owner Ernie King, and her mother, dancer and entertainer Choo Choo Williams, were central figures in the vibrant nightlife and cultural life of the area. Their Harlem Nocturne nightclub once stood as a gathering place for music, joy, and community.
In Boots to Broadway, Lovena takes audiences on a genre-spanning musical journey—from country and soul to rock ’n’ roll and Broadway—paying tribute to legends such as Aretha Franklin, Tina Turner, Beyoncé, and Patsy Cline, alongside iconic selections from Porgy and Bess, Evita, Jersey Boys, and more.
Thank you, CN and United Steelworkers, for supporting this event!
are you hosting a community event?
Submit Black Community Events to our Community Event Calendar!
For sponsorship and partnership requests, please reach out to us at least a month ahead of your event at info@hogansalleysociety.org!
Boots to Broadway
Thank you CN for supporting this event!
Boots to Broadway is a Black History Month concert fundraiser presented by Hogan’s Alley Society and the Jr Black Achievement Awards Society, starring acclaimed actress, recording artist, and two-time Juno Award winner Lovena B. Fox.
Prepare to be blown away by a genre-spanning musical journey—from country and soul to rock ’n’ roll — the show pays tribute to legends such as Aretha Franklin, Tina Turner, Beyoncé, and Patsy Cline, alongside iconic selections from Porgy and Bess, Evita, Jersey Boys, Broadway favourites and much more!
In Boots to Broadway, Lovena’s powerful homecoming performance celebrates legacy, reclamation, and the return of Black brilliance to the very neighbourhood that shaped it. Lovena’s family history is deeply rooted in Hogan’s Alley—her father, musician and club owner Ernie King, and her mother, dancer and entertainer Choo Choo Williams, were central figures in the vibrant nightlife and cultural life of the area. Their Harlem Nocturne nightclub once stood as a gathering place for music, joy, and community.
Proceeds from the evening support Black-led youth empowerment, housing justice, and community programs through Hogan’s Alley Society and JrBAA.
Join us for this return to place, memory, and legacy — TICKETS ARE NOW LIVE!
Event Details
📅 Friday, February 6, 2026
🕡 DOORS OPEN 6:15PM, SHOW STARTS 7PM!
📍 The Cultch Historic Theatre, 1895 Venables Street
Thank you, CN and United Steelworkers, for supporting this event!
Elders in the Margin: The Black and Aging Symposium & Expo
The Harambee Alliance for Health, Wellness & Aging (HAHWAS), in collaboration with community leaders, researchers, clinicians, academic partners, and policymakers, is hosting a landmark event:
This one-day event brings together healthcare leaders, policymakers, researchers, community advocates, and elders for dialogue, learning, collaboration, and action. The expo features health exhibitors, free health screenings, interactive wellness activities, and culturally grounded engagement.
Explore innovative solutions, bold strategies, and lived stories that spark action and advance Black health across generations. From dynamic educational sessions to vibrant community gatherings, The Black Health and Aging Symposium 2026 is your opportunity to find your people, amplify your voice and make an impact.
• Keynote speakers
• Panels
• Workshops
• Community Conversations
• Network
• Health Expo
Enhanced Networking Opportunities
This is where collaboration begins. Build relationships, exchange knowledge, and connect with peers, leaders, and future partners, whether you are an emerging professional or an established expert.
Expanded Business Expo
Experience the iconic Black Health Expo, showcasing cutting-edge services, innovations, and opportunities to grow your career, business, or organisation. Celebrate excellence in Black healthcare and honour learning and connection to leaders who are shaping the future of our communities as we share a day of recognition and cultural pride.
Melanin Magic Drag Brunch
This year to celebrate Black History month, Emperor Zachary David Foxx, Emprex Karmella Barr and Health Initiative for Men are collaborating to put together a drag brunch fundraiser for Hogan’s Alley Society.
With a star studded cast of fabulous Black performers they are guaranteeing to set this month of amplification OFF.
With performances by:
✊🏾Asstrix Banks✊🏾
✊🏾Cleopatra✊🏾
✊🏾Le$bean✊🏾
✊🏾Mx.Black Ice✊🏾
✊🏾Rainbow Glitz✊🏾
✊🏾Rich Elle✊🏾
This is a show that you will not want to miss!
Details:
19+
Saturday February 7,2026
📍Score on Davie📍
⏰ 12-2pm ⏰
🎭 Act 1-12:30🎭
🎭Act 2- 1:30🎭
This show is taking place on the unceded territories of the Musqueam,Squamish,Sto:lō and Tsleil-Waututh Nations. Even though this is a month of amplification of Black people, the show is dedicated to continuing to uplift Indigenous communities by amplifying their causes or donating to specific causes with the Indigenous communities as a focus. With the help of Health Initiative for Men, this event will donate funds to Urban Native Youth Association.
Building Belonging: Afrocentric Values in Practice
Afrocentric Values in Practice is an online community learning session hosted by Hogan’s Alley Society on February 10, 2026, as part of the Building Belonging Series. The event aims to explore how Afrocentric values shape physical spaces, culture, and community life. Grounded in HAS’s Afrocentric design principles and the Main & Union project, the session will feature presentations, a panel with practitioners and community leaders, and facilitated group discussions. Participants will reflect on how Afrocentric values promote a sense of belonging, support cultural continuity, and resist displacement, while providing feedback to help inform Hogan’s Alley Community Land Trust (HASCLT) growth and future housing work.
OUR PANELISTS
Kendra Coupland
Tura Cousins
Kizito Musabimana
Valerie Jerome: Races Against Racism
How did Harry and Valerie Jerome push past anti-Black racism to become Olympians?
In the 1960s, Harry Jerome set 7 world records, including the 100-yard dash, earning him the title of the world’s fastest man. His grandfather, John “Army” Howard, was Canada’s first Black Olympian, running in Stockholm in 1912 against nearly impossible odds. Harry’s sister, Valerie, competed for Canada at the 1960 Rome Olympics.
In her memoir Races, Valerie Jerome reveals the racism they fought along the way—from their community, the press, their country, and even inside their family home.
Join us for a conversation between Valerie Jerome and award-winning author Harrison Mooney.
Valerie Jerome is an Olympian who represented Canada at the 1960 Rome Olympics, the Commonwealth Games, and the Pan American Games. She is the granddaughter of Canada’s first Black Olympian, John “Army” Howard, and her brother Harry was one of the most recognizable Black Canadian athletes in the 1960s. Away from the track, Jerome has represented the Green Party of British Columbia and is a recipient of the 125th Anniversary of the Confederation of Canada Medal and a City of Vancouver Heritage Award for her work in conservation. She has also served as a board member for numerous organizations, including Achilles Track & Field, the Black Educators of BC, the Junior Black Achievement Awards, and Vancouver Youth Theatre.
Harrison Mooney is an associate editor at The Tyee. He is an award-winning author and journalist from Abbotsford, B.C., who won the Rakuten Kobo Emerging Writer Prize for his debut memoir, Invisible Boy. The book was also nominated for two B.C. and Yukon Book Prizes and the prestigious Hurston Wright Legacy Award. His writing has appeared in the Vancouver Sun, National Post, the Guardian, Yahoo and Maclean’s. Harrison was the 2022 Writer in Residence at VPL.
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Accessibility: VPL is committed to making our programs accessible for all. If you have an access need that we have not addressed here, please email us at programs@vpl.ca.
Elevator access to the Alice MacKay Room in the lower level is available via the atrium (next to the bank machine) or via the underground parkade.
There will be reserved areas for patrons on wheelchairs or mobility devices.
For more information on physical access, view the Accessibility information on the Central Library page.
BC African Descent Communities Leadership Summit 2026
Join us for the BC PAD Leadership Summit 2026, a two-day gathering celebrating the excellence, leadership, and resilience of People of African Descent (PAD) in British Columbia.
This transformative summit brings together community leaders, entrepreneurs, artists, youth, and allies to exchange ideas, build networks, and advance collective action for social, cultural, and economic empowerment.
Through keynotes, panel discussions, workshops, and cultural showcases, participants will explore pathways to strengthen representation, leadership, and collaboration within PAD communities.
✨ Highlights include:
Leadership & entrepreneurship panels
Cultural & artistic showcases
Networking and mentorship sessions
Policy dialogues on equity and representation
PAD market and community exhibition
Black Futures Month Blackathon
The Ethos Lab Black-A-Thon is a design jam and immersive experience that blends historical enlightenment with contemporary innovation. Over the course of the event participants will learn about a Black Inventor and hack their invention.
Each year 150 youth, from across the region participate in this immersive event to reimagine or “hack” inventions inspired by and from Black history. This year the Blackathon will Reimagine Hogan’s Alley to design the future development following the removal of the Georgia and Dunsmuir Viaducts.
Artificial Intelligence for Impact
In the age of Artificial Intelligence (AI) equity matters now more than ever. This year’s Blackathon will focus on Applied Artificial Intelligence. Participants use Generative AI tools and culturally grounded design methods to critically and creatively to create community impact.
Who can participate? CURIOUS and IMAGINATIVE YOUTH ONLY.
Build a team or come alone. In order to participate in the 2026 Blackathon you must attend a Blackathon Workshop- Make sure to register below. This session will prepare you and your team with the skills to succeed in the Ethos Lab Blackathon. Students will practice critical thinking, design and hands on AI skills.
Black Gold Stepper: Born in Darkness. Crowned in Gold.
Celebrate African diaspora excellence with 10% of event proceeds going to Hogan’s Alley Society. Explore 10 sacred Adinkra symbols through fashion, music, & community. Feb. 28th at Beaumont Studios.
You were born in darkness. Now it's time to be crowned in gold.
Black Gold Stepper is a celebration of African diaspora excellence, creative power, and cultural heritage. This is a movement. A moment. A homecoming. Welcome back.
Step into Vancouver’s most electrifying creative experience where art, fashion, and music collide to ignite positive community change.
Join the movement on February 28th, where a powerful celebration of African diaspora excellence, urban formal style, and the sacred energy and knowledge of ten legendary symbols await. Black Gold Stepper unites performers, artists, and visionaries for a night of live music, runway moments, and immersive storytelling.
What to Expect:
PRIZE GIVEAWAYS
Live performances, fashion runway, and DJ sets
Urban formal dress code—bring your boldest, most creative fit
Food & drink for sale (in partnership with Riddim and Spice, pending)
Exclusive Black Gold Stepper merch drop
Why We Gather:
To reignite the creative flame, inspire positive community action, and celebrate the power of showing up. Every ticket, every dance, every laugh is an act of support for art as activism. 10% of proceeds will be donated to a local charity (to be announced).
The Symbols:
Experience the meaning and energy of humility, strength, love, protection, creativity, and more, woven into every moment.
Ready to step up?
Secure your spot, bring your crew, and let’s make history together.
Live your dream. Don’t back down.
THE 10 SACRED ADINKRA SYMBOLS
Each symbol carries centuries of wisdom, strength, and cultural heritage:
Adinkra Dwennimmen (Ram's Horns) – Humility and Strength
Adinkra Gye Nyame (The Spiral) – Supremacy of God
Adinkra Nkyinkyim (Winding Path) – Life's Journey and Twists
Adinkra Sankofa (Bird Looking Back) – Return and Get It
Adinkrahene – King of the Adinkra, Authority and Leadership
Esono Anantam (The Elephant) – Leadership, Protection, Power, Security
Nsibidi Chioma – Luck
Odo Nnyew Fie Kwan – Love Does Not Lose Its Way
Zulu Shield Diamonds – Warrior Spirit and Protection
Universal Seed of Life – Creation and Sacred Geometry
WHO THIS IS FOR
Creatives. Musicians. Dancers. Models. Actors. Photographers. Influencers. Community builders. Culture-makers. Anyone ready to reconnect with their heritage, reclaim their story, and move forward with wisdom. This is for you if you believe art is a weapon to spread love and make the world better.
EVENT DETAILS
Date: Saturday, February 28, 2026
Time: 9:00 PM – 2:00 AM PST
Location: Beaumont Studios, 316 West 5th Ave, Vancouver, BC
*Enter at 326 W. 5th Ave - B2 Studios
Dress Code: Urban, comfy, mixed with business casual.
Black and gold/yellow encouraged.
Elevate Her Conference 2026
The Elevate Her Conference returns for its 4th annual gathering—bringing together Black women leaders, entrepreneurs, creatives together!
The Elevate Her Conference returns for its 4th annual gathering—bringing together Black women leaders, entrepreneurs, creatives, and change-makers from across British Columbia and beyond. This year, we are re-imagining the conference experience as an elegant evening event designed to spark connection, inspiration, and collective power.
With our 2026 theme, Connected Power: The Strength of Us, we explore what becomes possible when Black women come together not only to lead, but to build, collaborate, and influence systems that shape our future.
This intimate, highly curated experience will feature:
A dynamic keynote from Marci Ien
A powerful panel discussion highlighting innovation, leadership, and impact
Dedicated networking + relationship-building opportunities
A beautifully catered reception
Access to women-led vendors, partners, and community organizations
A space intentionally designed for rest, reflection, and growth
Who Should Attend
Black women in business, tech, policy, arts, and social impact
Emerging leaders, entrepreneurs, and students
Anyone invested in supporting the leadership, wellness, and economic mobility of Black women
Why Attend
✔ Build meaningful connections with Black women leaders and innovators
✔ Gain tools, insights, and lived wisdom for personal and professional growth
✔ Engage in conversations that drive systemic change
✔ Experience a conference designed with intentionality, joy, and cultural care
✔ Be part of a movement that uplifts Black women’s voices, power, and legacy
EXPO '86 AT 40 SYMPOSIUM
Join us at the Expo ‘86 at 40 Symposium to explore shared goals for this last undeveloped piece of Vancouver’s downtown.
Expo ‘86 at 40 is a half-day symposium that will convene landowners, community leaders, Hogan’s Alley Society, City representatives, academics, and Vancouver residents.
We’ll hear updates from the City of Vancouver about the Northeast False Creek Plan, and identify opportunities for working together to advance the Plan.
Left empty since Expo ‘86 ended, the Northeast False Creek Plan presents a generational opportunity to reconnect the Downtown core and fulfill reconciliation and redress goals. Hear from landowners, Planning Department staff, Hogan’s Alley Society, representatives from Chinatown, and more, about the opportunities to unlock the potential for this last undeveloped piece of Vancouver’s downtown.
Join us to:
Hear from Josh White (General Manager of Planning, Urban Design and Sustainability at the City of Vancouver), Djaka Blais (Executive Director, Hogan’s Alley Society), Geoff Meggs (former City Councillor)
Explore shared goals for Northeast False Creek that benefit all stakeholders
Align visions from landowners and community groups with City objectives
Identify practical steps and partnership opportunities to accelerate progress
Event Details
Date: Friday, January 23, 2026
Time: 9:30am-1:00pm
Location: SFU Harbour Centre
The 5th annual Vancouver International Black Film Festival
Founded by the Fabienne Colas Foundation and co-presented by Global BC, VIBFF is pleased to announce its official hybrid program and events lineup, running December 5 to 9, 2025. The in-person screenings and events will take place at the VIFF Vancity Theatre and Studio Theatre. On Friday, December 5, at 9 p.m. PST, all films will be accessible online.
#VIBFF25 is proudly supported by Vancouver Foundation, Canadian Heritage, Telefilm Canada, the City of Vancouver, the Government of British Columbia, and Festwave Institute.
Marking its fifth edition, the Vancouver International Black Film Festival features 35 films, insightful panels, creative workshops, and community events that promote connection and dialogue. It celebrates the vision and resilience of creators from diverse backgrounds, providing a powerful space for their voices and stories to be heard.
This fifth edition highlights the Fabienne Colas Foundation’s award-winning BEING BLACK IN CANADA short film series, the VIBFF Black Market, special in-person screenings of: Of Mud and Blood, Sierra’s Gold and Snake, as well as a Special Canadian Spotlight of 9 feature films.
community land trusts 101: building belonging
Community Land Trusts 101 is a virtual introduction to the history, principles, and values behind Community Land Trusts (CLTs)—community-owned land models designed to create long-term affordability, prevent displacement, and strengthen collective stewardship.
📅 Date: December 2
⏰ Time: 6 PM – 8 PM PST
📍 Location: Zoom (Virtual)
Rooted in movements led by Black and marginalized communities across North America, CLTs represent a proven, community-driven approach to securing affordable housing, protecting culture, and building belonging for generations to come.
In this session, Hogan’s Alley Society will introduce the purpose and vision of the HAS Community Land Trust (HASCLT) and how it supports Black self-determination, housing justice across Metro Vancouver, and the revitalization of Hogan’s Alley.
What to Expect:
The origins of CLTs in Black liberation movements
How CLTs create long-term affordability + community control
Why CLTs matter for cultural preservation & anti-displacement
Introduction to the HASCLT and how you can get involved
Join us as we learn, connect, and shape community-led solutions for a more secure future.
Introduction to Hogan’s Alley Block
On October 14, 2025 (6–8PM, online), Hogan’s Alley Society invites community members to an introductory session on the future of the Hogan’s Alley Block.
This session will:
Share the history and significance of Hogan’s Alley and the North False Creek Plan.
Provide updates on the Memorandum of Understanding between Hogan’s Alley Society and the City of Vancouver.
Reflect on outcomes from past engagement processes.
Open space for discussion on what meaningful participation looks like, the supports needed, and how HAS can make engagement more accessible moving forward.
Together, we’ll lay the groundwork for deeper conversations in the months ahead.
100 Paintings for Hogan's Alley
Join us for an unforgettable evening in support of Hogan’s Alley Society — a vibrant celebration of creativity, culture, and community through art and music.
This special evening will showcase the work of celebrated artist Norm Shearing, with limited-edition prints and exclusive original pieces available for guests.
Framed by the energy of dance, the event will bring together art, movement, and community in a vibrant atmosphere of connection and celebration.
Your Ticket Includes:
Admission for two guests
One limited-edition print of your choice to take home
Exclusive opportunity to purchase additional limited-edition prints and original works by Norm Shearing
Artist Statement – Norm Shearing
I’ve been painting on and off for about twenty years, driven by a fascination with the human condition—how we move through the world, how we relate to one another, and what we choose to reveal or hide. Recently, I’ve been exploring dance as a way to examine these themes: connection, performance, and the desire to be seen.
This new series focuses on five types of dance, with figures shown both solo and sharing space. This contrast creates a kind of tension—sometimes playful, sometimes intense—between the dancers. I use a bright color palette to capture the energy and emotion of the moment.
Some of the pieces are small collages that break motion down, almost like watching someone move under a strobe light—fragmented, fast, a bit chaotic. Others use big, flowing lines to echo the rhythm and grace of the dancers.
For me, it’s about capturing the feeling of motion and the stories that can come from just a gesture or a shared moment on the canvas.
housing development Information Session—virtual
For those unable to attend in person, this virtual information session provides an opportunity to hear updates on the Main & Union development, learn how community feedback has shaped the project so far, and understand what’s ahead.
The Zoom link will be sent to registered attendees via email leading up to the event.
Main & Union is a Black-led, community-rooted housing and cultural redevelopment project located at 796 Main Street — the former site of Vie’s Chicken and Steaks and a key landmark in Vancouver’s historic Hogan’s Alley.
This development represents a powerful step in reclaiming Black space, stewarding cultural memory, and investing in long-term futures where Black communities are resourced, visible, and at home. Through a mix of affordable housing, cultural programming, and intentional design, Main & Union is being shaped by decades of community advocacy and the lived experiences of Hogan’s Alley descendants and Black residents across the Lower Mainland.
This initiative is led by Hogan’s Alley Society, and developed in collaboration with CPA Development, Studio One Architecture, and Kirk & Co. Together, we are committed to building a legacy of care, resilience, and community sovereignty through this transformative project.
housing development Information Session—burnaby
Hogan’s Alley Society invites community members in Vancouver to join us for a community information session on the Main & Union housing and community development project.
Main & Union is a Black-led, community-rooted housing and cultural redevelopment project located at 796 Main Street — the former site of Vie’s Chicken and Steaks and a key landmark in Vancouver’s historic Hogan’s Alley.
This development represents a powerful step in reclaiming Black space, stewarding cultural memory, and investing in long-term futures where Black communities are resourced, visible, and at home. Through a mix of affordable housing, cultural programming, and intentional design, Main & Union is being shaped by decades of community advocacy and the lived experiences of Hogan’s Alley descendants and Black residents across the Lower Mainland.
This initiative is led by Hogan’s Alley Society, and developed in collaboration with CPA Development, Studio One Architecture, and Kirk & Co. Together, we are committed to building a legacy of care, resilience, and community sovereignty through this transformative project.
Light refreshments will be served.
Please note: Paid parking is available at the museum; limited free residential parking is available in the surrounding area.
housing development Information Session—vancouver
Hogan’s Alley Society invites community members in Vancouver to join us for a community information session on the Main & Union housing and community development project.
Main & Union is a Black-led, community-rooted housing and cultural redevelopment project located at 796 Main Street — the former site of Vie’s Chicken and Steaks and a key landmark in Vancouver’s historic Hogan’s Alley.
This development represents a powerful step in reclaiming Black space, stewarding cultural memory, and investing in long-term futures where Black communities are resourced, visible, and at home. Through a mix of affordable housing, cultural programming, and intentional design, Main & Union is being shaped by decades of community advocacy and the lived experiences of Hogan’s Alley descendants and Black residents across the Lower Mainland.
This initiative is led by Hogan’s Alley Society, and developed in collaboration with CPA Development, Studio One Architecture, and Kirk & Co. Together, we are committed to building a legacy of care, resilience, and community sovereignty through this transformative project.
Light refreshments will be served.
Please note: Paid parking is available at the museum; limited free residential parking is available in the surrounding area.
housing development Information Session—surrey
Hogan’s Alley Society invites community members in Surrey to join us for a community information session on the Main & Union housing and community development project.
Main & Union is a Black-led, community-rooted housing and cultural redevelopment project located at 796 Main Street — the former site of Vie’s Chicken and Steaks and a key landmark in Vancouver’s historic Hogan’s Alley.
This development represents a powerful step in reclaiming Black space, stewarding cultural memory, and investing in long-term futures where Black communities are resourced, visible, and at home. Through a mix of affordable housing, cultural programming, and intentional design, Main & Union is being shaped by decades of community advocacy and the lived experiences of Hogan’s Alley descendants and Black residents across the Lower Mainland.
This initiative is led by Hogan’s Alley Society, and developed in collaboration with CPA Development, Studio One Architecture, and Kirk & Co. Together, we are committed to building a legacy of care, resilience, and community sovereignty through this transformative project.
Light refreshments will be served.
Please note: Limited paid street parking is available near the Black Arts Centre. Additional parking can be found at the Safeway back lot or the City Hall underground parkade.
Hogan’s Alley Housing Solutions Lab Report launch
As we honour Juneteenth—a day that marks the delayed emancipation of enslaved Black people in the U.S.—we also reflect on the parallel legacies of slavery, colonialism, and anti-Black racism here in Canada. Though often overlooked, Black communities across this country have faced generations of displacement, exclusion, and housing injustice, from Africville in Nova Scotia to Hogan’s Alley Historic here in Vancouver.
The launch of this Housing Solutions Lab is part of a broader movement for housing justice—one that honours the past and builds toward a future daylighting a historical context: it seeks to confront structural inequities in housing systems and contribute to solutions rooted in racial justice, community leadership, and systemic change. On Juneteenth, a day of reflection and commitment, we affirm that equitable housing is not just a policy goal—it is a necessary part of Black liberation in Canada.
The HSL research project was designed to address a critical question:
What does a just and equitable housing future look like for Black communities in Metro Vancouver?
Meet the Researchers:
→ Quantitative Research: Dr. Nemoy Lewis & Dimitri Panou
→ Qualitative Research: Dr. Marie Cecile Kotyk & Modupe Bankole-Longe
Our final reports explore that future in detail, combining data-driven analysis and lived experience to show how we get there.
Living Together 2025: Connecting housing, social health and resilience.
Living Together will convene 150+ housing experts, public health professionals, municipal planners, architects, place-based community organizations, emergency management professionals, senior government policymakers, academics, and students.
Together, we’ll celebrate successes, share learnings and identify opportunities to move closer to a future where more of Canada’s multi-unit housing communities are age-friendly, socially connected, neighbourly, health-promoting and resilient.
The two-day event will touch on diverse but overlapping topics:
Creating stronger conditions for aging in place in multi-unit housing;
Strengthening neighbourly social connections and mutual support to prepare for and withstand stresses and climate-related emergencies;
Best practices for designing socially connected, age-friendly, resilient multi-unit housing;
Aligning health and housing sectors to support systems and policy change;
Exploring the integration of nature-based solutions as social connection infrastructure in multi-unit housing retrofits and redevelopments, and more.
PLEASE NOTE: This is a two-day event happening on Monday, May 5 and Tuesday, May 6. Communications from Eventbrite indicate it is only on Monday. We will send a two-day calendar invite to all registrants to confirm the dates.
Breakfast, lunch and refreshments will be included.
Details
When: May 5th & 6th, 2025
Where: SFU Morris J Wosk Centre for Dialogue
580 W Hastings St, Vancouver, BC V6B 5K3
Lead Hosts: Hey Neighbour Collective
Co-hosts: BC Centre for Disease Control, Building Resilient Neighbourhoods, Happy Cities, Renewable Cities, SFU Urban Studies, SFU Gerontology, SFU Health Sciences, Action on Climate Team and Climate Innovation
Sponsors: BCCDC Facilities Engagement, BC Housing Research Centre, Vancouver Coastal Health.
Funders: Waltons Trust, Max Bell Foundation and SSHRC
Accessibility
Washrooms are located on the lower level, second, third and fourth floors of the building. The venue has a gender-neutral washroom, available on the second floor in the east hallway. All floors within the building, including the venue and washrooms, are wheelchair accessible and serviced by elevators. How can we make this event accessible for you? If you have any questions, concerns, or comments regarding this event’s accessibility, feel free to connect with us at nnabors@sfu.ca.
Directions
The SFU Morris J. Wosk Centre for Dialogue is located at 580 W. Hastings St (enter by Seymour Street at Joe Segal Way), and is a brief walk from Waterfront station and numerous bus stops. Bike racks are available outside the Hastings entrance of SFU Harbour Centre (located across the street). Nearby parking is available at 500 & 400 W. Cordova St.
Code of Conduct and Inclusion Expectation
This is an inclusive event. By submitting your registration, you are agreeing to engage with organizers and other guests at the event in a respectful manner. Offensive or discriminatory behaviour and/or language toward event organizers and other guests will not be tolerated. Such behaviour may result in the removal or banning of the individual(s) from future events.
Land Acknowledgement
We respectfully acknowledge the unceded, traditional territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm(Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish) and səl̓ilw̓ətaʔɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations, on which the SFU Vancouver campus and the SFU Morris J. Wosk Centre for Dialogue building are located.
BCHPA Healthcare Excellence Gala
Black Canadian Healthcare Professionals Association presents: Healthcare Excellence Gala
✨ A Black-Tie Affair✨
Dress in your finest formal attire and make a statement on the red carpet.
🍽 Elegant Dining – Enjoy a three-course meal paired with a refreshment.
🎶 Live Music & Entertainment – A night of music, energy, and celebration.
🏆 Awards Presentation – Applaud the outstanding achievements of healthcare leaders making a difference.
🤝 Networking – Connect with influential healthcare professionals, advocates, and industry leaders.
Celebrate, Connect, and Inspire: Be part of this unforgettable evening as we honor those leading the charge for a more diverse and equitable healthcare system. Raise a glass to their impact and join us in shaping a healthier future for all.
Discounted ticket sales of CAD$ 81 until March 29th. Tickets will be $135 from March 30th, 2025.
Black Planning Conversation and Social Mixer
The Black Experiences with Planning in Canada (BEPIC) is a three year (2022-2025) research partnership dedicated to learning from the lived experiences of Black communities and planners.
We are reaching out to individuals over the age of 18 who identify as any of the following:
a Black planning professional
a Black individual engaged in planning work
a volunteer or staff (Black or non-Black) of a Black-led organization engaged in planning work
or a non-Black planner working with, for, and/or in historically or predominantly Black communities or in communities with a strong Black presence
to join us for a presentation and a social mixer on Tuesday, 15th of April, 7-9 pm at 312 Main Street, Reach Room (Ground Floor), Vancouver. RSVP by Monday April 14 at 5:00 p.m. to secure your spot and be part of this exciting evening! Click here to register.
Afro-Caribbean Celebration & Dialogue
🌴✨ Get ready for a vibrant celebration of Afro-Caribbean culture! Join us for an unforgettable evening of spectacular dance performances, soul-stirring music, and cultural enlightenment featuring Dr. June Francis. Bring the whole family for an evening filled with rhythm, joy, and community spirit! 🎵💃
📅 Saturday, April 12, 2025
⏰ 5:00PM - 9:00PM
📍 7502 2nd Street, Burnaby, BC
Family-friendly event with delicious food, amazing performances, and enriching cultural experiences! Secure your spot now!
Holistic Healing Through Art Therapy: For Seniors of African Descent
Welcome to Holistic Healing Through Art Therapy for Seniors of African Descent.
Come join us for a day of relaxation and self-discovery through art therapy. This event offers a unique opportunity to explore your inner self and promote healing through artistic expression. Whether you're a seasoned artist or a beginner, this workshop is designed to help you tap into your creativity and find peace through art. Don't miss out on this chance to connect with others and embark on a journey of holistic healing. We can't wait to see you there!
YAIJ Black Disability Histories: Celebrating Black Disabled Activists
This event will feature powerful performances from poets and musicians, interactive learning circles, and an engaging panel discussion highlighting Black disability justice and activism. Come connect, learn, and celebrate with us—plus, enjoy free food!
Can’t make it in person? Sign up for our online session and join us via Zoom!
Don’t miss this opportunity to honor Black disability histories and build community!
GLIMMERS
Join us for the culmination of a very special project...
GLIMMERS
an experimental & embodied experience that plays with the relationship between music, poetry & collaboration. using voice, instruments and story, these are artists gather to share & show what sowing your gifts looks like in action.
guests will enjoy poetry sets with a live band, ending in a collaborative performance and improvisational jam.
Thursday, March 27th, 2025 | Performance Works | Granville Island | 6:00pm Doors | 7:00pm Show
featuring: Adonis Critter King, Brandon Wint & fanny kearse
with special musical guests: Hayley Sullivan McInerney, Josh Eastman, Kinfolk Nation, rowan stone & Thule van den Dam
Glimmers is a docuseries following 4 BIPOC-Disabled-Queer Vancouver based artists as they explore the healing power of witnessing through collaboration. These artists humbly and vulnerably invite you into their lives, into their homes to discuss their practices and experiences. They give a behind the scenes, raw look into the creation and production of a live collaborative event. Experience the show within the show as it comes to life!
This project is co-created by Exposition of Life and supported by Telus Storyhive.
Ticket Pricing:
We believe in ranged ticket pricing to reflect the varied earnings of those we are in community with. Offering this helps to build a community that is rooted in both equity & equality.
Glimmers Ticket: $22 + tax
Generous Glimmers Ticket: $33 + tax
*For every 2 Generous Tickets purchased we are able to give a ticket to someone who wouldn't otherwise be able to come. <3
Gift of Glimmers (Pay It Forward Ticket): $22
*These tickets enable folks in community to attend who otherwise would be unable
~if funds are a barrier for your attendance please contact fannykearse@gmail.com for community tickets ~
We are grateful to our sponsors: Vines Art Society, Edna's, Ground Sounds, Upstart & Crow and Van Black Club.
Please check out the FAQ for more event information. More detials will be will released SOON!
We hope to see you on March 27th for a night full of he(art)!
WORDSMITH Vol 3: A Night of Poetry
Join us at the grunt gallery for WORDSMITH Vol 3: A Night of Poetry! Come and harness the words of spoken word, and get ready for the talented poets that will be sharing their words with you. If you have attended our last two WORDSMITH events, you know how powerful the room was. Whether you're a poetry enthusiast or just looking for a unique night out, this event is for you!
Who is performing? We have an amazing lineup of poets and 5 open-mic spots at the end
Our featured poets are:
Cicely Belle Blain
Śèyí,ThePoet
Noah Lubendo
Muntasi (Muna) Mavhima
Babaloluwa (Lolu) Oyedele
MKC
Where: grunt gallery - 350 E 2nd Ave
When: Saturday March 15th, 2025
Time: 5:00pm-8:00pm
Doors Open (sign-up for open mic) - 4:30pm
Poetry Show - 5:00pm-8:00pm
Cost: $25 (tickets) or $30 (tickets + a drink of wine/cider)
Tickets sold online and at the door (etransfer only).
Snacks and refreshments are available by donation.
A Silent Auction will be ran for the duration of the event and all proceeds will go towards BC Community Alliance (BCCA).
See you there!
ACCESSIBILITY FOR grunt gallery:
grunt gallery is accessed from the sidewalk via a 106” long, 64” wide concrete ramp that rises 12”. The slope is 1 : 8.75. There are no rails on the ramp. The front entrance is an outward-swinging double door with a total width of 64”, and with hand and foot height buttons for automated opening. Entry to the Media Lab behind the gallery space is via a 42” wide passage and entry to the neighbouring amenity space is through a manually operated outward swinging double door with a total width of 70”.
No stairs, inclines, or elevators are necessary to access the public areas once inside the gallery. grunt gallery has a single gender neutral washroom that is accessed via a 31” wide doorway with an automated swinging door with a door handle that is 40” high. The toilet has a 10” clearance on the left side and a 21” clearance in front, with a support bar on the left side. The sink height is 34”. Please contact us via access@grunt.ca with any questions. grunt encourages the use of face masks in our space to help protect immunocompromised staff and guests. Masks and hand sanitizer are available onsite.Please no vaping or smoking on the premises.
grunt gallery amenity room:
the supplied soap by the building is strongly scented.
there is no light indicator in the amenity room and the lock is a twist bolt.
We acknowledge that this event takes place on the traditional, ancestral and unceded territory of the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and Səl̓ílwətaʔ/Selilwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh) and xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) Nations.
Elevate Her Conference
Elevate Her Conference is a conference for Black Women. Put on by Black Women Connect Vancouver (BWCV), Black Business Association of British Columbia (BBABC), this conference is an engaging and interactive event.
Join us for the highly anticipated Elevate Her Conference 2025, an empowering event dedicated to inspiring, equipping, and celebrating Black women changemakers. This year’s theme, Empowering Changemakers, focuses on the incredible contributions and journeys of Black women who are driving positive impact across various sectors. Taking place on International Women’s Day, Elevate Her offers a unique blend of workshops, keynote speakers, and networking opportunities designed to support and elevate Black women in their personal and professional pursuits. The event also includes a leadership panel, featuring HAS’ Executive Director Djaka Blais.
Village Dance Night
Village Dance Night
With Jacky Essombe, Yoro Noukoussi and Angelique Muhorakeye
Come join Jacky and her friends for an evening of African Dance!
Jacky shares The Spirit of the Village - a State of Being and a Way of Life. It’s about bringing Harmony to the Human, Natural and Spiritual Community
Excellence in Motion: A Black Tie Event
It is with great honour that I (Shayla Bird) invite you to the annual Excellence in Motion: A Black Tie Event on March 1 from 6:00-9:00pm in Vancouver, BC.
This evening is designed to bring together changemakers from across North America for a purposeful celebration of excellence, community building, and shaping the future.
The event promises an unforgettable experience featuring:
A distinguished guest list (60+ invitations)
Inspiring opening and closing ceremonies
Canapés and drinks
Live performances
Stunning art showcases
A photobooth
The gathering will take place in the iconic Ethos Lab space, a state-of-the-art STEAM Innovation Hub dedicated to empowering youth through hands-on learning, creativity, and collaboration in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics.
Every detail of this evening has been thoughtfully designed with intentionality, integrity, and excellence in mind, ensuring a truly memorable celebration.
We are still seeking sponsorship from organizations to support this event. If this is something that interests you, please email shaylabird@icloud.com for more information.
Black Entrepreneurship & Research Symposium
Black Entrepreneurship Research Symposium, powered by Innovation UBC’s Black Advisory Hub and Simon Fraser University’s Black Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub (BEKH), brings together business leaders, academics, and policy makers committed to ongoing advocacy for Black entrepreneurship to discuss and initiate actionable policy changes.
”To amplify Black businesses, highlight their contributions, and address challenges and opportunities through informed dialogue, we are hosting a symposium titled "Empowering Black Entrepreneurs: Bridging Research, Policy, and Practice." This event is inspired by BEKH's regional research and the Black Advisory Hub at UBC's ongoing engagement efforts. The symposium aims to transform research insights into actionable policy recommendations and foster collaborative initiatives to support and empower Black-owned businesses.”
"Lift Every Voice" Concert with Marcus Mosely - A Black History Month Celebration
You are cordially invited to the Marcus Mosely “Lift Every Voice” Concert with Bill Sample and Darlene Ketchum to celebrate Black History Month. The numbers will show the need to support, empower and uplift Black youth.
RSVP: Email Linda Arbia Linda.Arbia@burnabyschools.ca
With the number of tickets you need.
Please RSVP by 3 pm on Monday February 24th
This remarkably talented trio will be spending the day at Burnaby Central Secondary – working with the Concert Choir and members of the Black Excellence Student Club in the morning, then presenting workshops for classes in the Library, and returning in the evening to perform, including 2 songs with students.
This music unifies and connects people and serves as a powerful platform to let one’s voice be heard. This is why it was such an integral part of the civil rights movement. Learning songs in this genre is empowering. Singing with a group can be life-changing. Singing and music bring people together across the world, much needed in a time of partisanship – we need music that unites.
The students at Burnaby Central will explore the history of the civil rights movement and the fight for social justice. Mosely will be working with youth in the school’s Black Excellence Club and Concert Choir, culminating in a special evening performance together. Mosely is contributing the entry donations for the concert to Burnaby Central’s Black Excellence Club for their use at school.
We hope you will join us for an evening of song, celebration and joy.
Celebrating Black History Month Through Black Entrepreneurship
The Canadian Association of Urban Financial Professionals (CAUFP) in conjunction with BEBC Society, BDC and BCAA is inviting you to an exciting opportunity to connect with like-minded Black businesses owners and Black professionals on Thursday February 27th from 4 PM -7:30 PM. This in-person event will be held at BDC Square at 1133 Melville Street 15th Floor Vancouver, BC V6E 4E5 providing a vibrant atmosphere for networking and collaboration over appetizers and refreshments. Don't miss out on this chance to expand your professional network and gain valuable insights. See you there!
For a limited time only, all attendees receive a complimentary 1 year CAUFP membership with the code CAUFPWEST via the following link https://caufp.ca/membership/.
Afro-Latinx Cineclub: Dólares de Arena
This Black History Month, VPL is partnering with the Vancouver Latin American Cultural Centre (VLACC) to present two powerful films showcasing stories of Afro-Latinidad.
Following each screening, there will be a thought-provoking moderated discussion led by storyteller and community organizer Coral Santana.
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On February 26 we are screening Dólares de Arena (Dominican Republic, 2014), directed by Laura Amelia Guzmán and Israel Cárdenas
Synopsis: An older European woman becomes enchanted with a young Dominican woman who must struggle to make ends meet. Love brings a flow of entanglements in a drama which unfolds like palm trees in an irresistible storm.
Discussion themes: portrayals of Blackness and queerness in Latinx cinema, the intersections of femininity and Blackness, and the impact of class and whiteness on queer dynamics in Latin America.
Rating: NR (not rated)
Runtime: 84 mins
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Coral Santana is an Afro-Dominican storyteller, community organizer and equity consultant based in K'emk'emeláy̓ (Vancouver). They have developed cultural programming focused on exploring Blackness, Queerness and Latinidad for various organizations, including the Museum of Anthropology and the Vancouver Art Gallery. Coral holds a BA in Film Studies with a minor in Creative Writing from the University of British Columbia
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Please register. You do not need to present proof of registration. Our staff will have a list of all registrants at the door. Drop-ins are welcome if there's seats available.
Black History Month (Virtual) Masterclass
Calling all Black professionals and allies looking to make a difference in their community and workplace. Come learn about canadian black history, its impact on us and how we can use it to drive change and empower communities.
Join us on Wednesday, February 26th, 2025, from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm EST (3:30PM - 5:00PM PST) for a transformative professional development opportunity designed to deepen understanding of Black Canadian history and its relevance today. This session will feature an insightful lecture by historian Rito Joseph, interactive breakout groups focused on actionable topics, and a group discussion to inspire meaningful engagement. This event is open to all allies, teachers, professionals and community leaders seeking to enhance their knowledge of the Black community and foster impactful change.
places that matter:vhf community fair Heritage BC
Annually, Vancouver Heritage Foundation and Places That Matter put on a family-friendly Community Celebration or Fair focused on the many stories and people that connect us to the places that matter in our communities. The official Heritage Week Proclamation is presented by invited City of Vancouver Councillors.
BC Youth Career Accelerator Summit
Join the Yoruba Social & Cultural Association of BC for an exciting career event for youth (16+), featuring accomplished professionals from diverse industries.
We are thrilled to welcome our distinguished guest speakers: Trish Masenda Mandewo, Franklin Bouguep and Dr. Charles Osuji.
What to Expect:
✨ Inspiring career stories from top industry professionals
✨ An interactive Q&A to get your burning career questions answered
✨ Networking opportunities with professionals and peers
✨ Free lunch provided!
We are thrilled to welcome our distinguished guest speakers:
Trish Mandewo is an accomplished award-winning serial entrepreneur and diversity & inclusion strategist. Trish is the President and Founder of Synergy On Boards Consulting Group. Trish has successfully built four businesses and two non profits. She has received numerous awards including 2017 RBC Top 25 Canadian Immigrant. She currently sits on several boards including Union of BC municipalities (UBCM) and Lower Mainland Local Government Association (LMLGA) and The Coquitlam Foundation. She is an elected official for the City of Coquitlam.
Franklin Bouguep is a seasoned executive and board leader with over 25 years of experience driving strategic growth, operational excellence, and cross-sector innovation across international development, energy, technology, and non-profit. Franklin has extensive experience in Business Development, Strategic Management, Operations and Supply Chain Management directing teams of over 300 people. Franklin has held senior positions for the last 20 years across industries in the US, Europe, and Africa.
Dr. Charles Osuji (Hon. D.) is a distinguished legal executive and community leader, celebrated for his exceptional contributions to the legal profession and his unwavering commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. As CEO and Managing Partner of Osuji & Smith Lawyers—the largest Black-owned law firm in Canada—Dr. Osuji has spearheaded the firm’s expansion, scaling its operations from a modest team to a robust organization of over 45 legal professionals, serving clients both nationally and internationally. An award-winning lawyer and entrepreneur, Dr. Osuji has earned over 110 accolades, including the prestigious Doctor of Laws (Hon. D.) from Mount Royal University, as the youngest recipient, for his outstanding service and societal contributions. His recognitions also include being named one of Canada’s Top 25 Most Influential Lawyers, Avenue Calgary's Top 40 Under 40, and recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal.
Don’t miss this chance to gain valuable insights, get inspired, and take the first step toward your dream career!
Date: Saturday, February 22, 2025
Venue: Fleetwood Community Centre, 15996 84 Ave, Surrey, BC V4N 0W1
Time: 1:30-4:30pm
Register here 👉🏼 https://BCYouthConnectFeb2025.eventbrite.ca
See you there!!