New resident plans black history celebration in qathet

Every February cities and communities across Canada participate in Black History Month events that recognize and honour the legacy and contributions of black people in Canada.

Although the qathet region has a fairly small number of people who identify as black living and working in the area, the number of people of African/Caribbean descent relocating here is growing.

Godson Akhidenor recently relocated to qathet from Nigeria and noticed there are people like him here who want to be a part of the greater community. 

"Black History Month is something that is celebrated globally, and people from African ancestry are increasing, gradually, in qathet," says Akhidenor. "We want to encourage cohesion; the population of black people is increasing, and we have very qualified, competent professionals who are black people making an impact, and contributing to the growth of the community." 

Akhidenor noticed nothing was happening locally to celebrate Black History Month, so he, along with other community members, acted fast, and are hosting a free gathering called: Celebrating Black Excellence: A Black History Month event with entertainment, fashion, dance, a keynote address, photography, food and refreshments. The celebration will happen at Carlson Community Club on Saturday, February 24, beginning at 12 pm, and is open to the community.

One reason for the event, explains Akhidenor, is to in some way say: "We are here, we want to make a positive impact and contribution."

He says he is writing to City of Powell River’s mayor and council, and other community stakeholders, with the hope that they will attend the event. Akhidenor is a trained lawyer and relocated from Nigeria eight months ago. His wife was offered a job here in early childhood education. 

"I came around just to see how the community looked and to be sure we're not making a mistake," adds Akhidenor. "I stayed here for about three months, then I decided to go back to Nigeria, because of the law firm. I came back again a few months ago, and it's going well, and we want to make a contribution to the community."

Akhidenor says he hopes to make the event an annual one, and that it becomes bigger and even more impactful each year. 

He wants the gathering to "promote understanding and inclusivity, honour the past, celebrate the present and envision a future where diversity, equality and understanding prevail."

To find out how to support the event, email Akhidenor at [email protected].For more information about black history in BC, go to bcblackhistory.ca.

Join the Peak’s email list for the top headlines right in your inbox Monday to Friday.