Art exhibit, open mic, music and poetry performance, book club and more planned throughout the month
February is Black History Month – a time to celebrate the history, culture, diversity and achievements of Black people across Canada. This year’s theme is, “30 Years of Black History Month: Honouring Black Brilliance Across Generations – From Nation Builders to Tomorrow’s Visionaries” celebrates a significant milestone in Canada: three decades of marking the incredible and enduring legacy of Black Canadians.
Dr. Sonnet L’Abbé and the Faculty of Arts and Humanities are planning several events to mark Black History Month at VIU. Here’s the full schedule:
Monday, February 2, 6:30 pm:
Art exhibit opening in the Malaspina Theatre lobby with artist Happy Amarkah (a VIU Visual Art alum) and DJ Dr. Paul Watkins (VIU English Professor and author of Soundin’ Canaan: Black Canadian Poetry, Music, and Citizenship. The art exhibit will be up in the theatre lobby all month.
Tuesday, February 3, 12:30 to 2 pm:
My Black History is Poetry, is Jazz. Join Dr. Sonnet L’Abbé and Nick Peck at the View Gallery for a braiding of poetry, Afro-diasporic music and history. Nick plays jazz piano as Sonnet tells their story of Black expression, performing both covers and their own work.
Thursday February 12, 7 pm:
Author Ruby Diaz Smith on her book, Searching for Seraphim. Co-presented with the Nanaimo Historical Society and Nanaimo Community Archives. In Building 180, Room 134 (lecture theatre).
Thursday February 19, 12 to 2 pm:
Black History Month Book Club. Let’s read and discuss The Skin We’re In by Desmond Cole. In the Malaspina Theatre lobby.
Monday, February 23, 2:30 to 4 pm:
Speaking Black Voices: A BHM Open Mic in the Malaspina Theatre. Come read anything by a Black author!
Friday, February 27, 10:30 am:
A Pan-African Feminist Blueprint for Peace in Sudan. Join Dr. Amel Aldehaib in conversation with Dr. Magnolia Pauker. Event is online. Register.