Events
2026 Sponsors
Join us for this year's Black History Month events in the Grande Prairie region.
Everyone is welcome!
Snack Sponsored by:
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. The program will feature a proclamation, craft, artist talk, and other programming to be announced.​
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Indoor and outdoor exhibits featuring historical documents, photographs, and information panels that tell their story.
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Program Sponsored by:
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Snack Sponsored by:
Youth Expressive Percussion/Drumming Workshop
This interactive, hands-on drumming youth workshop is part of the 2026 Black History Month programming and is open to youth ages 8–17. The session is open to everyone, regardless of background, ability, or prior musical experience, and is designed as a safe, inclusive, and supportive space for creative expression and cultural connection.
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Instructed by Ismar Silva Do Nascimento, participants will explore rhythm, movement, and collective expression through percussion, learning basic drumming techniques, hand coordination, and rhythm patterns using a variety of instruments such as congas, snare drums, and maracas (all instruments provided).
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The workshop begins with a welcoming icebreaker and rhythm circle to build comfort and connection, followed by a guided group drumming experience featuring call-and-response rhythms and collaborative jamming. Participants will work together to rehearse short pieces, culminating in a final drumming circle showcase that celebrates creativity, teamwork, and collective expression.​
Saturday, Feb 21 | 3-4:30 pm
M3M Studios
Youth DJ Skills Workshop
As part of the 2026 Black History Month programming, this hands-on workshop welcomes all youth ages 8–17 to explore the art of DJing. Open to everyone, regardless of experience or background, this session provides a safe, inclusive, and supportive space to experiment with music, rhythm, and self-expression.
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Instructed by Shayne Conway, DJ/Producer with Souled Out, participants will receive an introduction to DJ equipment, including controllers and digital turntables/mixers, while learning basic techniques such as beat matching, scratching, and mixing.
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The workshop begins with a fun icebreaker and rhythm circle to get everyone moving, followed by guided DJ practice and mini performance exercises. Participants will then rehearse short individual sets or freestyles and collaborate with others, culminating in a final showcase that celebrates creativity, skill, and performance confidence.​​
Saturday, Feb 21 | 5-6:30 pm
M3M Studios
Black History Month Gala
Saturday, Feb 28 | 5-8 pm
KMSC Performing Arts Theatre
Details to be announced!
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Gala After Party
Details to be announced!
Saturday, Feb 28 | 8-11 pm
92 Beverage Co
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