Events
2026 Sponsors
Join us for this year's Black History Month events in the Grande Prairie region.
Everyone is welcome!
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Opening Ceremony
Saturday, Feb 7 | 1-4 pm
Grande Prairie Public Library, Rotary Room
Join us on Saturday, February 7, from 1 to 4 PM for the Opening Ceremony of Black History Month.
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At this year’s Opening Ceremony, you can expect:
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A proclamation by City of Grande Prairie Mayor Jackie Clayton and County of Grande Prairie No. 1 Reeve Amanda McDonald​
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A Black History educational video presentation by Edmonton Community Activist and History Advocate, Ms Donna Coombs-Montrose
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Community craft
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Storytime with a Black-focused children’s book read by Grande Prairie Intercultural Association's Executive Director, Maureen Edomwonyi
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An Artist Talk, by local award-winning artist Aurel Tsafack, about the 2026 Black History Month take-home Activity Kit sponsored by the Art Gallery of Grande Prairie
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And more!
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2nd Construction Battalion Unveiling Ceremony
Saturday, Feb 21 | 10- 1 pm
Veterans Memorial Gardens & Interpretive Centre
Join Veterans Memorial Gardens & Interpretive Centre as they unveil their new No. 2 Construction Battalion display — honouring Canada's first and only segregated Black military unit during the First World War. For over a century, these 605 men remained invisible in Canadian military history. They fought for the right to serve, faced systematic discrimination at every turn, and proved their patriotism through extraordinary service. Yet when they came home, Canada forgot them. These men asked for nothing more than the right to serve as equals. Their story challenges us to ensure equality is not just an ideal but a lived reality for every Canadian.​ Their service mattered. Their stories matter. Their legacy demands our attention.
Their Story Matters
- Rejected by recruitment officers despite impressive qualifications
- Segregated into non-combat roles when finally allowed to serve
- Doubled lumber production efficiency in French forests (45,000 FBM daily vs. 20,000 without them)
- Lost 29 comrades to disease, accidents, and violence
- Forgotten by a country that refused to recognize their sacrifice
​Event Schedule:
10:00 AM – Community gathering with pastries andhot beverages
10:45 AM – Outdoor unveiling ceremony
12:00 PM – Luncheon to follow - Jamaican cuisine will be served
​Important Details: Dress warm! The ceremony is outdoors. Hand warmers will be provided.​ FREE event – Registration required to ensure we have enough hand warmers, hot beverages, and food for everyone. Limited luncheon seating – Please register so we can plan accordingly.​
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The Display
Indoor and outdoor exhibits featuring historical documents, photographs, and information panels that tell their story.
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Youth Expressive Percussion/Drumming Workshop
Welcome to a community drumming circle led by Ismar Silva, a space where rhythm brings people together in a fun, welcoming, and judgment-free environment. This drumming circle is designed for people ages 8 to 17 from all backgrounds. No musical experience is required; just bring your curiosity, openness, and willingness to connect through rhythm. Drumming is a powerful way to learn and experience cultural music and traditional beats from around the world while developing important personal and social skills. Through hands-on participation, participants will explore rhythm, movement, and sound in a supportive group setting.
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​Various percussion instruments will be provided by the instructor.
Saturday, Feb 21 | 3-4:30 pm
M3M Studios
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Youth DJ Skills Workshop
Join us for an exciting, hands-on DJ workshop designed to spark creativity and confidence in kids while introducing them to the world of urban music culture. Led by Souled Out— a Grande Prairie-based hip-hop DJ —this immersive experience will teach participants the art of mixing, scratching, and performing in a fun, supportive environment.
Saturday, Feb 21 | 5-6:30 pm
M3M Studios
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2026 Black History Month Gala
Saturday, Feb 28 | 4-8 pm
KMSC Law Performing Arts Theatre
Our Gala is an inspiring and celebratory evening marking the culmination of Black History Month (BHM) sponsored by Community Futures Grande Prairie & Region and the EmpowRise: Entrepreneur Training Program.
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This reflective yet vibrant event brings community members together to honour and experience Black culture, reflect on the past month of Black History Month programming, celebrate achievements and our collective progress, and build meaningful connections in a welcoming and engaging space.
Doors open at 4pm and will include a mix-and-mingle kick-off, programming begins at 5pm. Dinner by Abie Kreations, a Black-owned Business Panel, the Black Excellence Awards ceremony, live performances, an educational history presentation, highlights from the month, a silent auction, and more.
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History Presentation
Topic: Black History in Alberta and this year's theme: Honouring Black Brilliance Across Generations — From Nation Builders to Tomorrow's Visionaries
About the presenter, Ms. Donna Coombs-Montrose is a storyteller, a community activist and a history advocate who lives in Edmonton, Alberta. Born and raised in Trinidad and Tobago, she moved to Toronto to study library science in the late 1960s, was involved in the Black Power Movement in the 70s, and then relocated to Edmonton with her family in 1998. Months later, she started volunteering for Cariwest, Western Canada’s largest Caribbean arts festival, and eventually became its president for ten years. She’s been involved in organizations such as the Alberta Labour History Institute, Caribbean Women Network, the Congress of Black Women (Edmonton Chapter), and several others.
As the City of Edmonton’s Historian Laureate, she tries to take a unique approach to telling the stories of the migration, history and experience of Black Canadians.
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Black-owned Business Panel
Moderated by the emcee, Kofi Kwarteng, and Community Futures Grande Prairie & Region Executive Director, Holly Sorgen.
Panelists:
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Kibrom Afework - Mr. Pretzels, Franchisee
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Demar Anderson - DiAndersons Family + MJ Squared
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Georgia Greenwood-Duncan - Taste of the Tropics Eatery + Miss Fuller Woman Competition
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Dr. Jennifer Adams-Hessel DC - Northwest Wellness Centre
2026 Black Excellence Awards:
An award ceremony recognizing individuals and organizations whose contributions have uplifted and empowered the community.
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Black Youth Award - Sponsored by Hayes Fry Law
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Black Community Impact Award - Sponsored by New Horizon Co-op
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Black Business of the Year - Sponsored by Mary Brown's Chicken Grande Prairie
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Community Ally Award - Sponsored by BIPAN Support Services
The Grande Prairie Intercultural Association and the Black History Month planning committee invite the local community to the 2026 Black History Month Gala to come together to recognize, learn, and experience this annual event.
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The dress code for the evening is semi-formal to formal.
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Pre-registration is required.
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Gala After Party
Saturday, Feb 28 | 8-11 pm
92 Beverage Co
Join us for an unforgettable Black History Month After Party with DJs Souled Out and Tecco behind the decks! Expect a vibrant mix of soulful sounds spanning Hip-Hop, R&B, Caribbean rhythms, and Afrobeat grooves. They will bring the energy, blending smooth selections with party vibes that celebrate culture, movement, and unity on the dance floor.
No registration required, first-come, first-served.
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