Black History Month 2025

Black History Month is celebrated annually across Canada and beyond during the month of February. This is an important occasion to honour the numerous and long-ignored contributions that Black people have made to our diverse society. It is also a meaningful time to deepen our understanding of the people and events that shaped Black history.

In British Columbia, we are fortunate to have many examples of outstanding Black people who made their marks over many generations. For example, in the 1800s, Charles and Nancy Alexander created a legacy as influential community builders on Vancouver Island. In the early 1900s, Joe Fortes challenged stereotypes and touched many lives as a lifeguard on English Bay. In the 1970s, Rosemary Brown broke barriers as the first Black women elected to a provincial legislature.

This month is also an important time to reflect upon the communities that have been integral to Black history. As an organization focused on housing, we believe it is particularly important to celebrate the past – as well as the present and future – of the Hogan’s Alley neighbourhood in Vancouver. The story of Hogan’s Alley is a powerful reminder of the displacement of once-vibrant Black communities that took place in our province and other parts of Canada such as Africville in Halifax. Today, Hogan’s Alley is a beacon of inspiration because of the progress community advocates and leaders including the Hogan’s Alley Society are making to preserve the area’s legacy while also driving renewal.

BC Non-Profit Housing Association is committed to the principles of reconciliation, equity, diversity and inclusion. In our work to strengthen the province’s non-profit housing sector, we make it a priority to support those leading anti-racism and social justice work in our communities, and to ensure the diversity of our society is reflected in the educational programming we provide. We stand with everyone who believes in racial equality and join in celebrating the incredible history of Black Canadians.

This February, we hope you find a meaningful way to engage on your own or with others around the important legacy of the Black community. Below is a list of events and online resources that we hope will help you participate in Black History Month. If you have any suggestions for information we should add, please email communications@bcnpha.ca.