British Columbia Black History Timeline

Pages from the BC Black History Timeline created by BCBHAS

By Jamila Douhaibi (she/they), Executive Director, BC Black History Awareness Society

There is a wealth of Black history in our province, from Vancouver Island’s Governor James Douglas in 1851 to William Allen Jones becoming the first licensed dentist in BC in 1886. Black people have fought discrimination to accomplish a range of firsts: the first Black person to become a teacher, the first exhibited artists, and the first appointment to the BC Supreme Court. Today that history is alive and celebrated with a thriving Black History Month, permanent and travelling exhibits on Black history, and increased understanding and recognition of Black excellence.

The British Columbia Black History Timeline was created by the BC Black History Awareness Society (BCBHAS) as an educational resource for schools, researchers, government, families, and anyone interested in learning more about Black history. BCBHAS has been offering programs, projects, and events throughout the province since it was incorporated in March of 1994. For 30 years, BCBHAS has been promoting diversity, combatting anti-Black racism, and increasing awareness of Black people’s history and current achievements in BC.

The digital timeline was launched in 2021, with the print publication becoming available in 2023. The book includes 52 pages that cover 190 years of events that affected Black settlement and the experiences of Black people in BC, as well as some significant events in Canada, the United States, and globally. It is not an all-inclusive portrayal of Black people and recognizes that there were enslaved Black people entering British North America prior to the first dates included in this resource. The timeline provides the opportunity for engaging in broader conversations of identity and shared historical experience. The hope is that readers will learn more about BC Black history, and that the community will fill in the missing pieces to continue sharing important Black stories.

There are stories of community, politics, human rights, the military, discrimination, education, and employment placed in a historical and contemporary context. The layout of the timeline is a streamlined view of the contributions of Black people to the province to help with understanding how people and events fit into different eras. The stories proclaim the achievements and contributions of the first pioneers in 1858 and their descendants, as well as the many newcomers and immigrants from African and Caribbean heritage who, through their experiences and resilience, continue to make important and remarkable achievements in all aspects of our society.

More information

Visit www.bcblackhistory.ca to see the timeline and find more resources to help bring Black stories into your classroom.

Acknowledgment

The British Columbia Black History Timeline was researched, written, and edited by BCBHAS Board members. Fran Morrison was the project manager, with the support of Paul Schachter. The design was by Shanthony Art & Design. Special thanks to the financial support from the Province of British Columbia, First West Foundation—Island Savings Community Endowment, Canucks for Kids Fund, Vancouver Canucks, and individuals who have donated to BCBHAS.