To honour Black History Month and celebrate Black excellence, we launched the inaugural Black in BC event in February 2023.
For 2025, we kicked off Black History Month with our third annual event on Friday, February 7, 2025, in Surrey, BC. This free event featured inspirational speakers, food, music and dance, bringing more than 300 guests from Surrey and Metro Vancouver to celebrate Black talent, cultures and achievements in Canada, while creating space for connection and learning.
For 2026, we were pleased to announce the fourth annual event on February 6, 2026, at Surrey City Hall, under the refreshed name, Black Brilliance in BC, connecting the event to our Black Brilliance Awards that are awarded at the event.
2025 Sponsors
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*Note: Older children and teenagers are welcome, but the theatre portion of the event may not be suitable for younger children.
We are welcoming sponsors for this event in 2026. Learn more in our downloadable sponsorship package here.
Are you a grassroots organization or small business and want to exhibit at Black in BC? Fill out the expression of interest form here and we will get back to you with availability and any related fees in the new year. (Please note, the Surrey Arts Centre asks for 15% of any vendor sales.)
We are excited to hand out our Black Brilliance Awards, as part of our annual Black Brilliance in BC event.
We want to take time out to recognize some of the bright stars who are making a difference in the community and advancing leadership, equity, culture and justice, in their fields or areas of expertise.
There are three award categories:
Rising Star Award
Recognizing an emerging leader, innovator or changemaker in the Black community whose potential is sky high.
Trailblazer Award
Recognizing an established Black leader in business, community or the arts who is setting a bright path forward.
Luminary Award
Recognizing a legend in the Black community who has spent 15+ years making an important impact in their field.
Nominations will open in late 2025 for the 2026 awards.