LATEST
NEWS

February is Black History Month in Canada. Black History Month is the annual commemoration of the contributions of Black and African diasporic communities in Canada. It recognizes their significant role in our history, even while enduring unending inequality, oppression, and erasure. Each year, Canadians celebrate this month by uncovering parts of our own colonial legacies to better understand our present and future.

At Housing Central, the events of 2020 compelled CHF BC and the BC Non-Profit Housing Association (BCNPHA) to hold a mirror to ourselves and reflect on our efforts to address racial inequity as a community.

At our 2022 Spring Education Conference, we held two plenary sessions looking at the past, and future of the co-op housing sector in BC.

February is Black History Month in Canada. Our celebration of Black History Month stems from the 2020 global response to systemic racism that has existed for centuries against Black, Indigenous, and people of colour (BIPOC). We were horrified at the events as they unfolded, and many organizations—including our own—showed their support and issued statements in … Continued

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.

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