February is Black History Month

February is Black History Month! Although Black History Month should extend beyond a one month celebration, we have highlighted a few awesome Black led organizations as well as a few things to do around Edmonton this month!

Local Organizations to Support:

  • Shiloh Centre for Multicultural Roots is a Canadian non-profit organization that brings to light the experiences of African-American Western Canadians through the Arts, Education and Social Justice. Learn more and visit them: www.shilohcmr.com

  • RARICANow is a local organization that works to enhance and sustain the health and well-being of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and HIV communities by providing activities, programs and services that create and empower community members. Visit them on: www.raricanow.org

  • CANAVUA is a Francophone volunteer organization in Alberta that promotes volunteerism and are also responsible for providing food services, including a food bank, mobile community canteen , mobile refrigerated trailer and soup kitchens. Visit them on: www.canavua.org

  • The Africa Centre is a pan African non-profit organization in western Canada that serves as a community hub, providing quality programming and access to services from a place of cultural awareness. Learn more and visit them on: www.africacentre.ca

  • Taccalusa Institute is a private, non-profit, public policy institute that is dedicated to researches, analyzes, educates and advocates for positions with a view to influence social policy and regulations. They invest in new thinkers and new ideas to address the new challenges facing the African and Muslim Canadian. The idea is to provide a catalyst for social policy changes. A forward-thinking leadership. Learn more and visit them on: www.taccalusainstitute.com

Things to Do:

  • Feed the Soul Dining Week wants to highlight the positive influence the African Diaspora has on the local hospitality industry. Learn more and follow them on Instagram: @feedthesoulyeg

  • Guuto Mothers cooperative (GMC) creates economic empowerment and entrepreneurship among immigrant women. They have a cafeteria and catering service for delicious meals. Visit them at: www.facebook.com/Guutomothers

  • Journey for Justice is a documentary by film maker David N.O. about the unsolved cases of murdered young men of Somali heritage. The documentary will be premiering on February 24th. You can get tickets here: www.eventbrite.ca/e/492715243557

Neximar Alarcon