Black in BC

Black in BC: Celebrating Black Excellence

A DIVERSEcity signature event in the City of Surrey to learn, connect and celebrate

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 200 guests from Surrey and Metro Vancouver to celebrate Black talent, cultures and achievements in Canada, while creating space for connection and learning.

For 2025, we were pleased to welcome back master of ceremonies Michael Newman, of Global BC fame, to guide our event featuring:

2025 Sponsors

*Note: Older children and teenagers are welcome, but the theatre portion of the event may not be suitable for younger children.

Want to be a part of our event as a sponsor?

We are welcoming sponsors for this event in 2026. Learn more in our downloadable sponsorship package here.

Want to be a part of our event as an exhibitor?

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.)

Black Brilliance Awards

We are excited to hand out our Black Brilliance Awards, as part of our third annual Black in BC event, on February 7, 2025.

With a theme of “Celebrating Black Excellence,” 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 are closed.

Getting to the Black in BC event by transit

From Surrey Central or King George Skytrain station, take the R1 Newton Exchange or 321 bus to the King George/88 Avenue stop and walk 5 minutes to Surrey Arts Centre.

*Note: Older children and teenagers are welcome, but the theatre portion of the event may not be suitable for younger children.