The College of New Caledonia and the Prince George African Heritage Society are teaming up to present a number of events during the 14th annual Black History Month Celebration in February.
The events are a way of educating the community about Black History Month by inviting guest speakers to talk about their experiences, contributions and some aspects of black history.
"Black History Month celebrates the diverse roots of the nation and country we call Canada," said Black History Month organizer and CNC instructor George Kaweesi.
"These events remind everyone that our community is made up of those from near and far and they share a common goal of trying to make it better."
The lineup of events begins Saturday, Feb. 4 and includes an opening act featuring guest speaker Paul Winn; movie night at CNC (Feb. 11); Evening of Song
(Feb. 18), Caribbean cooking demonstration (Feb. 20); and the main event Feb. 25 featuring a light dinner, guest speaker, fashion show and dance.
"These events also serve as a reminder that people of African heritage have made some significant contributions to this community, that we appreciate it and that we should all learn to work together to build a better society," said
Kaweesi.
The schedule of events include:
Saturday, Feb. 4
7 p.m. CNC Atrium. Free. Join guest speaker Paul Winn as he discusses "Visible Minorities and Human Rights in Canada." Paul Winn is a Canadian human rights activist and lawyer. He is the interim chief operating officer of the Canadian Race Relations Foundation and past-president of the Black
Historical Society of British Columbia.
Saturday, Feb. 11
CNC Room 1-306, 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m., Cinema CNC presents The First Grader, a special showing for Black History Month. Based on a true story, The First Grader is an inspiring tale about the universal human desire to improve ourselves.
The story follows Kimani N'gan'ga Maruge, an 84-year old man who shows up on the doorstep of a rural school after the government of Kenya announces it will offer free primary education. Single tickets: $8 regular; $7 students,
seniors. Available at Books and Company and CNC Bookstore.
Saturday, Feb. 18
Evening of Song: 7 p.m. First Baptist Church, 483 Gillette St. $10 Admission, children under 12 years old, free. Featuring Navaz with Persian singer Neda Jalai, Cliff Raphael, Bob Hanson, Transfiguration Good News Band, Umoja and others. Tickets available at Books and Company and CNC Bookstore.
Monday, Feb. 20
Caribbean cooking demonstration: 7 p.m. First Baptist Church, 483 Gillette St. Call Leanne Yearley, 250-640-2585 after 5 p.m. or e-mail [email protected]. Tickets, $12, are available at CNC Bookstore and Books & Company.
Saturday, Feb. 25
Main Event CNC Cafeteria and Atrium, Light Dinner, 6 - 7:30 p.m.
Guest speaker is Wes Williams. Better known as Maestro, Wes Williams is a Canadian rapper, record producer, and actor. Referred to as the "Godfather of Canadian hip hop," his debut album, Symphony in Effect (1989), remains the top selling Canadian hip hop album of all time. Wes has had acting roles in television and film, and was inducted into the Scarborough Walk of Fame in 2006. His awards include two Juno Awards, 12 Juno nominations, and four MuchMusic Video Awards.
Entertainment: 8:45 - 9:30 p.m.; dance: 9:30 p.m.
Tickets are: Adults ($15); Children 6 - 12 ($7.50), Children 5 and under - free. They are available at Books & Company (1685 3rd Ave), CNC Bookstore and UNBC Bookstore.
