About Us
The British Columbia Black History Awareness Society (BCBHAS) celebrates the achievements of Black people in British Columbia by creating an awareness of the history of Blacks in B.C., stimulating interest in the contributions of persons of African ancestry to B.C. and Canada today, and celebrating historical and contemporary achievements in the arts, education, government, sports, science etc. The non-profit Society was formed in February 1994. Since March 2018 the Society is a charity registered with the Canada Revenue Agency.
The Society's Purpose
To advance education by researching, documenting and disseminating information to the general public about the past, present and future contributions and achievements of Black people to British Columbia to increase understanding and awareness, promote diversity and overcome stereotypes; and; To benefit the community by advancing knowledge, preservation, and displaying of items of historical significance concerning Black British Columbians; and To advance education by organizing and implementing conferences, workshops, presentations and cultural information programs to bring together diverse people within the public at large who have an interest in promoting, educating and learning about British Columbia and Canadian Black history and people; and To advance education by presenting programs to encourage youth and children to develop an interest in the achievements of Black people in British Columbia and Canada as part of developing an interest in their community and the world; and To benefit the community through promoting racial diversity by offering education, assistance and opportunities for Black people in British Columbia who face unique social and economic barriers to incorporate into the multicultural society of Canada.
Strategic Plan
VISION
Our Vision
Our Values
01
Black-Led, Black-Focused, and Black-
Serving
We affirm our role as a Black-led organization, centering Black voices and experiences, while fostering spaces for inclusive community support, leadership, and advocacy.
02
Diversity
We honour the diversity within the Black diaspora and beyond, recognizing the richness of intersectional identities, as a welcoming community for all.
03
Respect
Rooted in our cultural and ancestral ways of being and in human kindness, we uphold respect as a reciprocal expectation—within our organisation and beyond.
04
Learning
We embrace learning as a force for empowerment, encouraging unlearning and
relearning to unearth the truth of Black history in British Columbia and eradicate anti-Black racism.
05
Interconnection
We exist together with others and cultivate unity through collaboration and inclusive outreach. We act with knowledge of the shared experience of intentional erasure and colonization of communities and histories worldwide.
06
Innovation
We actively explore new ways to find, document, and share Black history. Our organization continuously evolves in how it learns, preserves, and is resilient.
07
Sustainability
We are committed to sustainability as an organization, building the resources necessary to serve future generations.
“Honour Small but Mighty Conservation Award” from Heritage BC
Certificate of Merit from BC Historical Federation
Columbia Historical Federation.
“For 30 years of work creating awareness of Black History in B.C., celebrating
historical and contemporary achievements and contributions”
— Rosa Flinton-Brown, President BCHF
Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia
BCBHAS is pleased to have the Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia as an Honorary patron since February 2022, Honourable Wendy Cocchia, 2025, Honourable Janet Austin, 2022 – 2024
Partnerships & Sponsors
30+
150+
70,000
Your support for BC Black History Awareness Society and the programs and activities we offer has been inspiring. Every new gift, large or small, makes a difference.
About Our Logo
It’s designed is based on the maple tree – of which there are more than 100 species around the world, 10 of which are native to Canada. Trees are a symbol of the unity of humanity and are an integral part of British Columbia’s landscape. The roots represent the ties that bind people of African descent, and that Black roots in BC’s history run deep. The line between the roots and tree is a reminder that histories and lives of people of African descent in Canada and around the world have been disrupted by enslavement, colonialism, colonization, racism and discrimination. The branches in various shades of brown represent the variations of the African diaspora in Canada and everywhere. The leaves: Green represents the land Africans were forcibly removed from to enslavement and the many lands in which people of African heritage now make their homes. Red represents the blood spilled, past and present, in struggles for justice and equity. Black represents growth and resilience, pride, and the importance and influence of Black culture and history.
Design by Chris Heffley; Narrative: BC Black History Awareness Society
Board & Executive
BCBHAS 2026 Board Members
Vice-President – D.L. (Door) Gibson, MMM, CD
Secretary – Fran Morrison
Directors: Shavon Green, Barbra Hudlin, Shayna Jones, Michel Ndiom, Andrea Williams
Executive Support Team
Executive Director – Jamila Douhaibi
Engagement Leader – Kemi Craig