February is
AFRICAN HERITAGE Month
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…
Re: Black
History Month Celebration
- Victoria, BC – January 31st, 2018 – Launch Reception By invitation only
- Sidney, BC — February 1st, 2018 – ISSAMBA SHOW/Mary Winspear Centre 2243 Beacon Avenue https://www.facebook.com/events/188934628300365/
- Nanaimo, BC – February 2nd, 2018 - ISSAMBA SHOW/Baben Park Recreation Center https://www.facebook.com/events/131936857365985/
- Vancouver, BC – February 3rd, 2018 - ISSAMBA SHOW/The Wise Hall Lounge https://www.facebook.com/events/903828959727476/
- Victoria, BC – February 6 – 8, 2018 – African Drum & Dance Workshops / CDI College 950 Kind RD https://www.facebook.com/events/696514190534680/
- Victoria, BC – February 9, 2018 – Meet the Roots: École Victor-Brodeur (Students only)
- Victoria, BC – February 15th, 2018 – Movie Screening + Panel discussion / École Victor-Brodeur https://bhm2018moviescreeningpaneldiscussion.eventbrite.ca
- Victoria, BC – February 24th, 2018 – Closing Gala/ Cedar Hill Recreation Center https://www.facebook.com/events/1814350908607518/
