Black in BC

Black in BC: Celebrating Black Excellence

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

February 1, 2024
3–7 pm
Surrey Arts Centre
13750 88 Avenue, Surrey, BC
Free parking

To honour Black History Month and celebrate Black excellence, we launched the inaugural Black in BC event in February 2023.

For 2024, we’re kicking off Black History Month with our second annual event on February 1, 2024, in Surrey, BC.

The free event features 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.

Highlights of our 2024 event

We are pleased to welcome Michael Newman, of Global BC fame, to guide our event featuring:

  • DIVERSEtalks Panel: “Beyond Boundaries: A Vibrant Conversation on Shaping the Future across Social, Political, Economic, and Cultural Frontiers for the Black community,” moderated by Garrison Duke, COO, DIVERSEcity
  • African music and dance entertainment
  • Traditional cuisine buffet provided by Alebi’s African Cuisine
  • Fashion show presented by Vancouver Community College and House of Plethora
  • Door prizes including free BC Lions tickets
  • New! Black Brilliance Awards (see below for more information)
  • And more to be announced soon …

 

Getting here 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.

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

Learn more in our downloadable sponsorship package here.

 

Black Brilliance Awards

We are excited to launch the inaugural Black Brilliance Awards, as part of our second annual Black in BC event, on February 1, 2024.

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 (up to age 29) 

Recognizing a young leader, innovator or changemaker in the Black community whose potential is sky high.

Trailblazer Award (age 30+)

Recognizing a Black leader in business, community or the arts who is setting a bright path forward.

Luminary Award (15+ years of impact)

Recognizing a legend in the Black community who has spent 15+ years making an important impact in their field.

Nominations are now closed.