Surrey Celebrates Black History Month with Vibrant Black Brilliance Event

Surrey City Hall became a vibrant hub of culture and celebration on February 6, 2024, as DIVERSEcity hosted its fourth annual Black Brilliance in BC event. The festivities, which ran from 16:00 to 19:00, featured a lively atmosphere filled with music, food, and recognition of notable contributions from the Black community in Canada. Poet Elliott Slinn emceed the event, emphasizing the importance of Black History Month as a time to reflect on achievements and future aspirations.

The highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Black Brilliance Awards. Recipients included Ashley Kairu, recognized as the Rising Star, Tobias Brown, named Trailblazer, and Geoff Ayi-Bonte, who received the Luminary award. Kairu, a chemical engineer and clean-energy advocate, has gained recognition not only for her technical expertise but also for her leadership in the community. Brown is the founder and CEO of Tommie’s Jerk and Vernel Foods and the BC Food Safe Institute, while Ayi-Bonte operates New History Consulting Inc., a firm focused on counselling and consulting services.

The evening also featured a diverse range of entertainment, with food provided by Di Reggae Café and performances by Mivule, Sunshine Rhythms Steel Band, Soca Xperience Collective, and Elegancia Cubana. A panel discussion titled DIVERSEtalks was moderated by Dr. Yabome Gilpin-Jackson and included insights from Carl Valentine, MLA George Anderson, Kenneth Headley, and Meheret Bisrat. The discussion centered on themes of ancestry, representation, and the barriers faced by Black residents in British Columbia.

DIVERSEcity, a registered charity based in Newton since 1978, partners with Indigenous communities, government, and local businesses to foster change towards a more equitable society. The organization continues to play a pivotal role in promoting diversity and inclusion in British Columbia. More information can be found on their website, dcrs.ca.

Throughout February, various events honoring Black History Month are taking place in Surrey. One notable event is scheduled for February 21, 2024, at the Surrey Art Gallery, titled “Tuning the Future: Black Identity Through Sound.” This free afternoon program will see artists Justen LeRoy and Della Orrey lead a conversation exploring sound as a medium for memory and healing.

Another significant venue for Black culture in Surrey is The Black Arts Centre, located at #105-10305 City Parkway. Founded in 2022 as part of the Solid State Community Industries Network, the artist-run centre supports and celebrates Black art across various disciplines. This February, it features a new exhibit titled “From Horn to Home,” curated by DDB Media, showcasing the work of several talented artists, including Manar Abrre, Khadija Issa, Tutu Elradi, Remas Elradi, Saliema Maki, Rahma Muktar, and Stephen Waithaka Ng’ang’a.

Surrey Libraries also contribute to the month’s celebrations with a series of events, including a screening of the film “Worlds Within” at the Newton branch on February 20, 2024, starting at 15:00. This 40-minute film highlights the extraordinary lives of Black pioneers who overcame significant challenges to shape their communities. Registration is required, and interested individuals can call 604-598-7406 to secure a spot.

Through these events and initiatives, Surrey continues to honor and celebrate the legacy and contributions of Black Canadians, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of their rich history within the community.