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As Black History Month draws to a close, we are reflecting on our work of shedding light on historical and modern day “hidden figures” in the Black community in British Columbia and Canada. Why did we feel it was important to celebrate Black History Month? 2020 was undoubtedly a year of reckoning in race relations. We all … Continued

Early pioneers Charles and Nancy Alexander moved north from California in 1858. In setting down roots on Vancouver Island became some of the first community builders in the Victoria area.

Their legacy of giving back to and strengthening the Victoria and Saanich communities has earned them a prominent place in BC’s history.

Throughout February the Housing Central partners are celebrating Black History Month. We are sharing stories of prominent individuals who made a positive impact on our communities. In the process, they helped shape this province and blazed a trail for the Black community. The City of Vancouver just wouldn’t be the same without Seraphim Joseph “Joe” Fortes  … Continued

Rosemary Brown broke through racial barriers and the glass ceiling, making her mark in politics and human rights and leaving behind an inspiring legacy of achievement.

Her work has helped ensure equal rights for women and people of colour, whether it’s in our schools, workplaces or homes.

For many people. learning about anti-racism can be a difficult and personal process. It can often be difficult to no where to start. While we are all in different places in our journeys to be anti-racist, a good place to start — or check in with yourself — is by reading, watching, and learning.

There have been several resources produced in recent years on this topic. Here are some to get you started.

In our first story we are touching on the football fever surrounding a particular event this weekend and showcasing the outstanding accomplishments of athlete, social worker, politician and community builder Emery Barnes.

Anyone familiar with US college sports, BC’s political history and the beloved Canadian Football league will recognize Barnes’ legacy – memorialized with a prominent Vancouver park named after him in 2003.

Responding to Systemic Racism In 2020, we saw a global response to systemic racism. This pervasive racism has existed for centuries against Black, Indigenous and people of colour (BIPOC). We were horrified at the events as they unfolded. Many organizations showed their support and issued statements in solidarity and support against systemic racism. At Housing … Continued

If you think you know the co-op story, you might be in for a learning curve come October 31st. The Fall Education Conference kicks off with a plenary panel of Black and Indigenous anti-racism and co-op educators to discuss the history of co-ops, the lens of systemic racism through which we interpret that history and how both conscious and unconscious expressions of racism play out in our co-op communities today.