MOIS DU PATRIMOINE AFRICAIN - AFRICAN HERITAGE MONTH

NEWS RELEASE

February is

AFRICAN HERITAGE Month

Black History Month is a time to commemorate the achievements of Black people. In Canada and the US is celebrated in February and in the U.K is celebrated in October.

February is the month chosen to celebrate Black History because is the birthday month of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglas two men that fought for the freedom of Black people in North America.

In 1995 thanks to a motion put forward by Jean Augustine, Canada’s House of Commons recognized the struggles and achievements of Black Canadians by adopting the month of February as Black History Month, but it was not until 2008 that the Canadian Senate officially recognized February as the Black History Month.

During the Black History Month, we also want to showcase some of our Black citizens that are contributing to the greatness of our country.

United by Heritage

Is our theme for 2018. For this important month we have brought together a renowned array of international Black artists, who will be performing in Vancouver Island, Vancouver, and Montreal.

The artists are:

Mamadou Diabate:  is a world-renowned balafon player an African xylophone.  Mamadou was born in Burkina Faso to a family of musicians that also have years of experience in traditional storytelling. At the age of 5 he started his professional training with his father, Penegue Diabaté, who in his days was considered the best balafon player far beyond the borders of the samba culture. At the age of 8 he began with his apprenticeship years with renowned. In 1988 and 1998 he won the first prize of the “National Culture Week” of Burkina Faso.

Now Mamadou lives in Austria where he continues to develop and perfume his art.

Merlin Nyakam: Was born in Cameroon, Merlin is recognized internationally for his interpretations and teachings of African and Afro-Contemporary dance. Merlin has and continues to enchant audiences around the world with his art. Special guests to his performance in Canada will include: Adama Bilorou a percussionist based in Paris; Salif Sanou a flutist specializes in African flute based in Montreal; and Akra Soumah a percussionist based in Ottawa…

 www.vaccsociety.blogspot.ca  www.africafes.ca

Re: Black History Month Celebration

• Victoria, BC – January 31^st, 2018 – Launch Reception By invitation only
• Sidney, BC — February 1^st, 2018 – ISSAMBA SHOW/Mary Winspear Centre 2243 Beacon Avenue https://www.facebook.com/events/188934628300365/ 
• Nanaimo, BC – February 2^nd, 2018 - ISSAMBA SHOW/Baben Park Recreation Center https://www.facebook.com/events/131936857365985/
• Vancouver, BC – February 3^rd, 2018 - ISSAMBA SHOW/The Wise Hall Lounge  https://www.facebook.com/events/903828959727476/
• Victoria, BC – February 6 – 8, 2018 – African Drum & Dance Workshops / CDI College 950 Kind RD https://www.facebook.com/events/696514190534680/
• Victoria, BC – February 9, 2018 – Meet the Roots: École Victor-Brodeur (Students only)
• Victoria, BC – February 15^th, 2018 – Movie Screening + Panel discussion / École Victor-Brodeur https://bhm2018moviescreeningpaneldiscussion.eventbrite.ca
• Victoria, BC – February 24^th, 2018 – Closing Gala/ Cedar Hill Recreation Center https://www.facebook.com/events/1814350908607518/

Pulcherie Mboussi at 250-884-0379 vaccsociety@gmail.com