Black History Month (BHM) is a time to celebrate and critically reflect on the legacies and leadership of Black Canadians for future generations. Listening and applying learnings to the experiences and leadership of Black Canadians is integral to Legal Aid BC’s (LABC) strategic commitment to building a culture of Truth and Reconciliation, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) and fulfilling our mission to strengthen client-centred legal help for British Columbians experiencing barriers accessing the legal system.
In the past, LABC has focused on honouring the ongoing legacy of Black people in Canada and Black women’s leadership, as well as the overrepresentation of Black people experiencing family violence in the criminal justice system, immigration and refugee matters and child welfare (PDF) that points to the need for action in our organization.
This year, LABC is marking 30 years of BHM in Canada, and honouring the month by:
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Inviting staff to support BHM events and activities across BC,
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Highlighting Black 2SLGBTQIA+ trailblazers in Canada,
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Offering staff resources on the impact and legacy of Black women and queer leaders in Canada,
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Engaging LABC staff in an organization-wide learning session on “Unpacking Anti-Black Racism in BC Service Work,” and
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Inviting staff to share insights gained in BHM learning sessions with their colleagues.
At LABC we recognize that we are early in our journey of learning, listening and following the leadership of diverse Black communities. We understand that by doing so LABC becomes closer to achieving our goal to see BCs legal services transformed for those facing barriers to accessing justice.
Camille Narayan, Manager, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Department
Upcoming Events and Activities:
Vancouver:
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Black History Month Showcase: Canada Black Music Archives hosts free live music and talks on Friday, February 27, 2026, 5:00 to 10:00 PM, at Museum of Vancouver.
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Black Brilliance on Screen Film Series: Free film screening of Black Brilliance on Screen: Crooklyn (1997) on Friday, February 27, 2026, 2:00 to 3:30 PM, at Central Vancouver Library.
Victoria:
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BC Black History Awareness Society, Keynote Speaker Junie Désil, on Friday, February 27, 2026, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM, at Baumann Centre.