Skip to content
Join our Newsletter

Our black history started with gold

Many people are unaware that Sir James Douglas, the first governor of the Colony of British Columbia, had African ancestry. Blacks have been part of B.C.'s history since the days of the Gold Rush. February is B.C. Black History Month and the B.C.

Many people are unaware that Sir James Douglas, the first governor of the Colony of British Columbia, had African ancestry.

Blacks have been part of B.C.'s history since the days of the Gold Rush.

February is B.C. Black History Month and the B.C. Black History Awareness Society is inviting people to find out more at the B.C. Black History and Heritage Day on Saturday.

Crawford Kilian, author of Go Do Some Great Thing will be speaking at the event, which includes stories of black pioneers, tradesmen, professionals and women intertwined with the history of the province. The Saanich Pioneers Society, United Empire Loyalists and Victoria Genealogical Society will also have information tables.

Admission is by donation. The event runs 1 to 4 p.m. at the James Bay New Horizons Centre, 234 Menzies St.

For more information, contact the Centre at 250-386-3035.