There are around 200 million people identifying themselves as being of African descent live in the Americas. Many millions more live in other parts of the world, outside of the African continent.
Whether as descendants of the victims of the transatlantic slave trade or as more recent migrants, they constitute some of the poorest and most marginalized groups. Studies and findings by international and national bodies demonstrate that people of African descent still have limited access to quality education, health services, housing and social security.
Children pose in a camp for internally displaced people (Haiti 2012). UN Photo/Logan Abassi
In many cases, their situation remains largely invisible, and insufficient recognition and respect has been given to the efforts of people of African descent to seek redress for their present condition. They all too often experience discrimination in their access to justice, and face alarmingly high rates of police violence, together with racial profiling.
Furthermore, their degree of political participation is often low, both in voting and in occupying political positions.
In addition, people of African descent can suffer from multiple, aggravated or intersecting forms of discrimination based on other related grounds, such as age, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, social origin, property, disability, birth, or other status.
The promotion and protection of human rights of people of African descent has been a priority concern for the United Nations. TheDurban Declaration and Programme of Actionacknowledged that people of African descent were victims of slavery, the slave trade and colonialism, and continue to be victims of their consequences.
The Durban process raised the visibility of people of African descent and contributed to a substantive advancement in the promotion and protection of their rights as a result of concrete actions taken by States, the United Nations, other international and regional bodies and civil society.
Still, despite these advances, racism and racial discrimination, both direct and indirect, de facto and de jure, continue to manifest themselves in inequality and disadvantage.
The International Decade for People of African Descent, proclaimed by General Assemblyresolution 68/237and to be observed from 2015 to 2024, provides a solid framework for the United Nations, Member States, civil society and all other relevant actors to join together with people of African descent and take effective measures for the implementation of the programme of activities in the spirit of recognition, justice and development.
It is also a unique opportunity to build on theInternational Year for People of African Descent, which was observed by the international community in 2011, and to further underline the important contribution made by people of African descent to our societies and to propose concrete measures to promote their full inclusion and to combat racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance.
Black History Month is a time to commemorate the
achievements of Black people. In Canada and the US is celebrated in February
and in the U.K is celebrated in October.
February is the month chosen to celebrate Black History
because is the birthday month of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglas two men
that fought for the freedom of Black people in North America.
In 1995 thanks to a motion put forward by Jean Augustine,
Canada’s House of Commons recognized the struggles and achievements of Black
Canadians by adopting the month of February as Black History Month, but it was
not until 2008 that the Canadian Senate officially recognized February as the
Black History Month.
During the Black History Month, we also want to showcase
some of our Black citizens that are contributing to the greatness of our
country.
United by Heritage
Is our theme for 2018. For this important month we have
brought together a renowned array of international Black artists, who will be
performing in Vancouver Island, Vancouver, and Montreal.
The artists are:
Mamadou Diabate: is a world-renowned balafon player an African
xylophone.Mamadou was born in Burkina
Faso to a family of musicians that also have years of experience in traditional
storytelling. At the age of 5 he started his professional training with his
father, Penegue Diabaté, who in his days was considered the best balafon player
far beyond the borders of the samba culture. At the age of 8 he began with his
apprenticeship years with renowned. In 1988 and 1998 he won the first prize of
the “National Culture Week” of Burkina Faso.
Now Mamadou lives in Austria where he continues to
develop and perfume his art.
Merlin Nyakam: Was
born in Cameroon, Merlin is recognized internationally for his interpretations
and teachings of African and Afro-Contemporary dance. Merlin has and continues
to enchant audiences around the world with his art. Special guests to his
performance in Canada will include: Adama
Bilorou a percussionist based in Paris; Salif Sanou a flutist specializes in African flute based in
Montreal; and Akra Soumah a
percussionist based in Ottawa…
There are those who put effort into having a world of equality. They put in effort with the hopes of bringing about a better society where equal opportunity is a reality. Productions Pulchérie Mboussi/AfriCa Fest would like to pay tribute to the people who are making a difference within Black communities. Their involvement has an undeniable, positive impact that carries over to everyone.
We are inviting you to propose a candidate or candidates whose will be highlighted all long the Month of February 2018. The selected laureates will be featured in the annual Black History Month Magazine which will be distributed all over Victoria, Nanaimo, and Vancouver as a symbolic tradition. Through their initiatives, they act as models for us all and particularly for young people inside of black communities. ‘’It’s important to shine light on those who often work in the shadows, and whose achievements demonstrate the presence and contributions that diversity provides,” noted Michael P. Farkas, President of the Round Table on Black History Month.
Laureates as well as the Magazine will be presented on January 31 in Victoria and on February 3rd in Vancouver. The Closing GALA: The Night of Elegance will be held the last Saturday of the Month: Saturday February 24, 2018. During this presentation, there will also be featured local and international speakers and performers.
We warmly invite you to take part in the nomination process for the 2018 VACCS Black History Month TRUE ROLE MODELS
Victoria, BC – January 31st, 2018 – Launch Reception by invitation only
Victoria, BC – February 9, 2018 – Meet the Roots| " École-communauté" avec la Société Francophone de Victoria volet Mois du patrimoine Africain (Mois de l’Histoire des Noirs) info: sfv@francocentre.com
Issamba African Spirit Night - The Ultimate Experience BHM2018: ISSAMBA is an exquisite presentation of artistry from all five African regions united through a single show that feature MERLIN NYAKAM Choreographer as well as MAMADOU DIABAT Master balafonist ADAMA B
Merlin the Enchanter is coming back to BC & Québec in February! Mark your calendar, you don't wanna miss him again! Merlin l'enchanteur ... à ne manquer sous aucun prétexte !! Canada février 2018
Issamba is an exquisite presentation of artistry from all five African regions united through a single show
Prepare to be captivated from very the first sound. Deeply immerse yourself in African roots through African instruments, traditional rhythms and a fusion of dancing styles. Let the rhythm move you and don’t repress the urge participate! Witness a spectacle of the senses with Issamba.
Created in Victoria, BC for AfriCa Fest 2017 by Productions PMboussi, featuring national and international masters of rhythm:
Issamba – an experience so unique, you just have to live it
Click here to subscribe to the AfriCa Fest newsletter to stay informed as we transition to the new website. You won't want to miss out!
Farewell, African Cultural Week!
As the dust begins to settle on the whirlwind adventure that was African Cultural Week, we begin the process of reflecting on the past and preparing for the future. We experienced many joys and successes this week, with as many learning and growth opportunities.
If you missed out on your chance to witness these world-class artists live, don’t worry, because we have some exciting news:
And don't forget to Subscribe to the new AfriCa Fest Newsletter!
VICTORIA, BC — May 20th, 22nd-25th, 27th-28th, 2017
VANCOUVER, BC – May 21st, 2017
SIDNEY, BC – May 27th, 2017
NANAIMO, BC – May 26th, 2017
On behalf of the Victoria African and Caribbean Cultural Society (VACCS) Pulchérie Mboussi is pleased to announce the fifth annual African Cultural Week Celebration and AfriCa Fest. This year, African Cultural Week will run from May 20th through to the culminating show, AfriCa Fest on May 27th. This weeklong celebration is the ultimate experience of African roots and will introduce first-rate, international African born artists to the art communities of Victoria, Vancouver, and Nanaimo.
For the first time, directly from Paris, we are pleased to present world renowned choreographer and dancer Merlin “The Enchanter” Nyakam. Born in Cameroon, Merlin has reached an international status for his interpretations and teachings of African and Afro-Contemporary dance. Merlin has and continues to enchant audiences around the world.
Special guests will include the Montreal-based African flutist Salif Sanou, Toronto-based master percussionist Amara Kanté, and Ottawa-based dundunfola player Fodé Soumah, Jacky Essombé & Yoro Noukoussi from Vancouver and definitively our local artists and drummers which include Jordan Hanson (Hand Drum Victoria), Bernard Henin (Kizomba/Salsa Victoria, and our Victoria famous Zumba instructor Isabel Santos.
Complimentary media passes are still available for the events below. Please contact vaccsociety@gmail.com to RSVP.
The Victoria African & Caribbean Cultural Society (VACCS) is a vibrant non-profit community organization dedicated to promoting and preserving the cultural heritage of the black diaspora in Greater Victoria, British Columbia, and Canada. For more information on VACCS, please visit us online at https://vaccsociety.blogspot.ca/
Contact:
Pulchérie Mboussi
Founder and Program Manager, AfriCa Fest and Victoria African & Caribbean Cultural Society
May 23th, 2017 | The Dave Dunnet Community Theater | 2121 Cadboro Bay Rd
7 - 9:30 pm An Unforgettable Evening of African Traditional and Contemporary Dance Performance with Merlin Nyakam, Amara Kanté, Salif Sanou, Fodé Soumah, Simbab
May 24th, 2017 | Mary Winspear Centre | 2243 Beacon Avenue Sidney, BC
6:30 pm Workshop: Discover African Contemporary Dance with Merlin Nyakam
8:30 pm Workshop: West African Drumming with Amara Kanté
May 26th, 2017 | Beban Park Recreation Centre | 2300 Bowen RD, Nanaimo, BC
2:00 pm Discover African Contemporary Dance with Merlin Nyakam.
4:00 pm West African Drumming with world-renowned Master percussionist Amara Kanté.
5:00 pm Discover Damba Dance with Simbad (Ghana)
7:00 – 11:00 pm An Unforgettable Evening of African Rooted Food, Rhythms & Dance Performance.
May 27th, 2017 | Archie Browning Sport Center | 1151 Esquimalt RD, Victoria, BC
12 pm – 9 pm AfriCa Fest: A full day of activities for the whole family including drumming workshops and featuring live music ensembles. Market (craft & Food)
May 28th, 2017 TBD
2:30 - 9 pm La Matinée Dansante!: A great way to introduce friends and family to African dance and drumming
On behalf of the Victoria African and Caribbean
Cultural Society (VACCS) Pulchérie Mboussi is pleased to announce the fifth
annual African Cultural Week Celebration and AfriCa Fest. This year, African
Cultural Week will run from May 20th through to the culminating show, AfriCa Fest
on May 27th. This weeklong
celebration is the ultimate experience of African roots and will introduce
first-rate, international African born artists to the art communities of
Victoria, Vancouver and Nanaimo.
For the first time, directly from Paris, we are
pleased to present world renowned choreographer and dancer Merlin “The
Enchanter” Nyakam. Born in Cameroon, Merlin has reached an international status
for his interpretations and teachings of African and Afro-Contemporary dance.
Merlin has and continues to enchant audiences around the world.
Special guests will include the Montreal-based African
flutist Salif Sanou, Toronto-based master percussionist Amara Kanté, and Ottawa-based
dundunfola player Akra Soumah, Jacky Essombé & Yoro Noukoussi from
Vancouver and definitively our local artists and drummers which include Jordan
Hanson (Hand Drum Victoria), Bernard Henin (Kizomba/Salsa Victoria, and our
Victoria famous Zumba instructor Isabel Santos.
Complimentary
media passes are still available for the events below. Please contact vaccsociety@gmail.com to RSVP.
