Despite the diversity of People of African ancestry in British Columbia, we are typically treated as a monolith, under the social category ‘Black’. The African Ancestry Dialogue event is part of the African Ancestry Project, a research and dialogue project which aims at bringing awareness to this diversity. A wide variety of people of African ancestry in the province have shared their stories with us and we would like to share our learnings.

The African Ancestry Dialogue event will be a day of conversation on the diversity of people of African ancestry in British Columbia- the diverse histories, identities, and experiences.

In the morning session (10am-12:30pm), we will have a presentation of stories shared through the project, and breakout dialogue circles where attendees will engage in dialogue based themes that emerged in the project.

In the afternoon session (1pm-3pm), we will have a panel discussion on issues around identity and how identity impacts on lived experiences of people of African ancestry.

Throughout our sharing, amazing artists of African ancestry who continue to leave a mark in B.C.'s and Canada's cultural landscape, will perform in celebration of our diversity.

Panelists:

• Dr. Yabome Gilpin-Jackson: Founder of the SLD Consulting and author of ‘Identities’ and ‘Ancestries’
• Silvia Mangue: Chair of the B.C. Black History Awareness Society
• Maurice Earle: President of the Unity Centre Association of Black Cultures
• Kamika Williams: Chair of the Anti-Racism Coalition Vancouver

Performers:

• Khari McClelland: A diversely talented artists who integrates rhythms and folklore of early African-Americans with contemporary sounds
• Fana Soro: A dynamic performer- a hereditary master of the West African balafon, a drummer, a storyteller, and cultural educator
• Marisa Gold: An empathetic multidisciplinary artist with a passion for all thing soulful and whose artistic influences are deeply rooted in the heart space of her ancestors. (in place of Shayna Jones)
• Maju Maju: A song writer, singer and percussionist with a powerful voice who enjoys bringing to life legendary music by Brenda Fassie and Miriam Makeba. A former member of the Soweto Gospel Choir in South Africa

This event is produced by Alice Mũrage with the assistance of the African Ancestry Project’s community advisory committee. Olaolu Adeleye will be joining Alice in hosting the event.

While this is a public event, participation of people of African ancestry is encouraged.

This online event will be held via zoom. A zoom invite will be included in your registration confirmation email- scroll to the bottom of the email. Note that there might be a delay of 30-60 minutes following your registration.

Registration closes on Saturday, February 20 at 8:30am.

For highlights on the event, please visit the Project's Facebook page.

The African Ancestry Project is made possible through partnership with the B.C. Black History Awareness Society, funding from the Government of British Columbia (B.C. Multiculturalism Grant) and the University of British Columbia (Partnership Recognition Fund), and in-kind contribution of the SFU African Studies Working Group.

Looking forward to our sharing!

Official event poster:

(Art: Disruption by Marina Ashraf @CC)