02/09/2026
Black Heritage Beyond February 2026
Honouring Black Brilliance Across Generations
Friday February 13th
Heritage Hall 3102 Main St
10 am to 11 pm
From Nation Builders to Tomorrow’s Visionaries - This year’s theme celebrates more than three decades of Black Heritage recognition in Canada, honouring the enduring legacy of Black Canadians whose leadership, creativity, innovation, and resilience have shaped our past, continue to influence our present, and will inspire generations to come.
Black Heritage Beyond February affirms that Black history is not confined to a single month-it is living, ongoing, and deeply woven into the social, cultural, and economic fabric of Canada.
About the Celebration - Black History Celebration 2026 is a community-centred gathering presented by Great Lakes Networking Society of BC, in collaboration with RainCity Housing’s
Black Affinity Group. The event honours the histories, contributions, resilience, and achievements of people of African descent in Canada.
Through arts, culture, storytelling, dialogue, and celebration, the event uplifts Black voices while welcoming diverse communities, allies, and interfaith partners. It promotes education, reconciliation, healing, and cross-cultural understanding, while strengthening community connections across generations and cultures.
Event Highlights Cultural performances (music, dance, spoken word, storytelling) Community reflection and panel discussions
Audience Q and A and dialogue Networking and community connection Intercultural and intergenerational exchange
Program Agenda
Friday, February 13, 2026
10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Registration and Welcome Music (DJ)
1. 12:00 PM - 12:15 PM
Land Acknowledgement led by Indigenous/African Elders
2. 12:20 PM- 12:30 PM
Opening Remarks - Mr. Robert Tylor, Senior Manager, RainCity Housing
3. 12:32 PM - 12:40 PM Opening Performance - African Drums with Chinese Music
Susan Xu - “Our Motherland: China”
4. Afternoon: Global Cultural Exchange
12:45 PM - 1:15 PM - Zangalewa - Kenya (Africa) (Virtual)
5. 1:20 PM - 1:35 PM - Acholi Dancers – Uganda (Africa) (Virtual)
6. 1:37 PM - 2:00 PM - George Mutunga – Taiwan (Asia) (Virtual)
7. 2:00 PM - 2:30 PM - Shteve Hedgins - “The King of Street Music,” DTES Vancouver
2:30 PM - 3:30 PM - Panel and Community Dialogue
Panelists:
1. Charles Quist-Adade, PhD - Award-winning educator, author, researcher, and social
justice advocate
2. Louisa Brown - Community Liaison Assistant Manager, RainCity Housing
3. Doris Alegria Soy - Cultural Leader, Dance Activist & Founder of BC’s first Dominican
Folklore Dance Group
4. Imtiaz Popat - Therapeutic Counsellor; Intercultural Trust Award recipient
5. Samuel M. Wetaya - Program Manager, RainCity Housing (Prince’s Rooms)
6. Hinda Abdirahman - Interdisciplinary Studies graduate, storyteller, human rights
advocate, and community supporter
Cultural Showcase and Evening Celebration
1. 3:35 PM - 4:00 PM - Chinese Female Modelling - Selina Liao
2. 4:00 PM – 4.20 PM- Dr. Samson Madera Nashon – Professor of Science Education &
Head, Department of Curriculum and Pedagogy (UBC) and Councillor Pete Fry
3. 4.20 PM-5 PM- Braek for Dinner
4. 5:00 PM - 5:45 PM - Beat the Drum -Munki - The African Drum King
5. 5:45 PM - 6:00 PM - Chinese Yihai Chorus - “Jasmine Flower” - Eva & Richman
6. 6:05 PM - 6:40 PM - Manixybaby
7. 6:42 PM - 7:00 PM - African Drums with Chinese Music - Susan Xu - “My Family”
8. 7:03 PM - 7:15 PM -Neha - Poetry
9. 7:18 PM - 7:30 PM - Isaac M. Felix – Poetry and Song
10. 7:32 PM - 8:00 PM Fara
11. 8:03 PM - 8:15 PM – Marlo Browne
12. 8:20 PM - 8:45 PM - Gold - Gospel Music
13. 8:48 PM - 9:10 PM -ChuckCity
14. 9:15 PM – 9:30 PM David Chen (International Presentation of Performers)
Throughout the Evening:
9: 30 PM - DJ & if we have an Artist from RainCity Housing
Event Team and Support
Paid Photographer -DJ Luc - Cyamatare
Community Volunteers (MCs, food service, childcare, and general support)
�� Acknowledgements and Closing Remarks ��
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the artists, speakers, elders, volunteers, partners, and
community members whose presence and contributions made this celebration possible. Your
voices, stories, and talents continue to shape a more just, inclusive, and connected society.
Together, we honour the past, celebrate the present, and inspire the future.
