February is Black History Month — an annual opportunity to recognize and celebrate the rich histories, cultures, achievements, and leadership of Black Canadians and Black communities around the world. In 2026, Canada marks 30 years of officially recognizing Black History Month, highlighting stories of resilience, creativity, and leadership across generations.

For co-ops and community members, this month is also a time to reflect on how housing, belonging, and equity intersect — and how we can continue building inclusive, connected communities together.

Black History Month invites us to reflect on:

• The historical and ongoing contributions of Black Canadians
• The leadership shaping communities and neighbourhoods
• The importance of equity, belonging, and social justice

This month is not just about remembering the past — it’s about learning, engaging, and acting in ways that strengthen our communities today.

Spotlight Event: Black Leadership in Affordable Housing

Black Planning Project – Building Beautiful Black Worlds

This Black History Month, we also recognize the important work being led by organizations like the Black Planning Project (BPP), which is advancing affordable housing rooted in equity, cultural belonging, and community power.

As part of their Building Beautiful Black Worlds initiative, BPP is hosting a panel on Black Leadership in Affordable Housing, bringing together housing leaders, developers, and community builders from across Canada.

Topics Include:

• Building organizational capacity and resilience
• Visioning Black-led housing grounded in community values
• Meaningful community engagement and co-creation, and more!

This session highlights what’s possible when Black leadership drives housing delivery — from land access and design to financing and long-term stewardship.

To learn more register here.

Learning from Research: Black Renters & Housing Equity

As part of our learning this month, we also recognize the importance of grounding conversations in research and lived experience.

A recent qualitative research report from the Hogan’s Alley Society highlights the realities faced by Black renters in Metro Vancouver, including barriers to access, experiences of discrimination, and challenges to long-term housing security.

The report emphasizes the need for:

• Culturally informed housing approaches
• Strong tenant protections
• Community-led solutions
• Representation in housing leadership and decision-making

These findings reinforce the importance of continued education and advocacy within the co-operative housing sector and align closely with CHF BC’s commitment to housing rooted in dignity, fairness, and belonging. Read more here.

Things to Do in the Lower Mainland

Vancouver Public Library Resources

Vancouver Public Library (VPL) has curated books, stories, programs, and digital resources to support learning and engagement throughout February.

What to check out:

• Black History Month Guides & Reading Lists — curated titles by Black authors and on Black history.
• Youth Resources — specially selected reads and multimedia for kids and teens.
• Digital Library Materials — access ebooks, films, and audio exploring Black history and culture.
• Library Events — VPL hosts events throughout the month which can include storytelling, performances, and discussions.

Check out VPL’s Black History Month offerings on their website to find booklists, event schedules, and online resources.

History Walks & Local Heritage

Explore places with important ties to Black Vancouver history, such as:

The legacy of Hogan’s Alley

Murals and public art celebrating Black voices

• Key Murals & Locations:
  “Hope Through Ashes: A Requiem for Hogan’s Alley” (Union St. & Dunsmuir Viaduct): Painted by artist Anthony Joseph, this mural pays tribute to the residents of the historic Black neighbourhood and highlights local figures like Nora Hendrix, musician Ernie King, and the Gibson family.
  “Diaspora Diary” (3101 Granville St.): Created by Jamaican-born artist Tafui, this piece explores the theme of “we are one,” using mark-making to represent individuals from an aerial view.
  “Carry it Well” Series (Various SkyTrain Stations): Curated by Nya Lewis, this series features large-scale works at Main Street–Science World, Granville, Stadium–Chinatown, and VCC–Clark stations, celebrating contemporary Black-Canadian art, quilting, and Afro-futurism.
  “Thank you, Miss Rosemary” (West End): Created by Sade b. Alexis, this mural honors Rosemary Brown, one of the first Black women to discuss intersectionality in Canadian politics.
  “Sunburst Migrations” (Strathcona/Greater Vancouver): A piece by Odera Igbokwe that explores Black diaspora, resilience, and identity, depicting futuristic and ancestral figures.
  “Solidarity Storytelling” (Strathcona): A collaborative mural by Black artist John Sebastian, Indigenous artist Chase Gray, and Chinese artist Emma Xie, focusing on interweaving their cultures.
  “The Beautiful Meme” (Strathcona): A mural by Joslyn Reid celebrating Jamaican culture.

Self-guided walks are a meaningful way to connect with local history.

Reflecting Forward: CHF BC’s Commitment to Belonging & Learning

At CHF BC, we believe that strong co-op communities are built on respect, inclusion, shared leadership, and belonging. Black History Month invites us to reflect on how these values show up in our daily work — in our governance, our relationships, and the way we care for one another.

This includes learning from Black leaders in housing and community development, engaging with research and lived experience, and continuing to strengthen equitable practices across our communities.

As part of CHF BC’s ongoing commitment to learning and inclusive leadership, we are pleased to share that Housing Central will be hosting Valerie Jerome as part of our internal Black History Month programming.

An educator, author, activist, and former Canadian track and field sprinter, Valerie Jerome has dedicated her life to advancing dignity, equity, and community. Her award-winning book, Races: The Trials and Triumphs of Canada’s Fastest Family, reflects her powerful story of resilience and leadership.

This event offers an opportunity to learn from lived experience and deepen our understanding of Black history, education, and community impact — values that align closely with CHF BC’s mission.

Together, we move forward by honouring history, uplifting voices, and building housing that reflects dignity, belonging, and shared responsibility — today and for generations to come.