One of the best things about living in, or visiting, Surrey is the cultural diversity that stretches to every corner of the city. February is Black History Month around the world, and we join in celebrating and learning about the achievements, history and legacy of Black people in Canada and right here in Surrey.

Black Arts Centre

The Black Arts Centre in Surrey is a vibrant hub for creativity, showcasing Black artists, musicians, and storytellers. This Black History Month, the centre hosts a series of events celebrating Black voices and culture.

On February 13, Couch Jams BHM Open Mic amplifies underrepresented BIPOC artists and musicians. Aspiring DJs can join an Introductory DJ Workshop on February 15, led by Mada Phiri / ADAM. Music lovers can dive into contemporary Black music on February 16 with the Album Listening Room, featuring MIKE’s Showbiz! with curator Vanessa Fajemisin. On February 20, a Group Reading Night offers a collective space for reflection and discussion. Film enthusiasts can enjoy a Double Film Screening on February 23, featuring The B.E.A.T. (2013) and Faaji Agba (2015). An Interactive Listening Room & Collaging event on February 27, hosted by Jefferson Alade, blends music and art-making. Finally, the month wraps up with an Open Mic Poetry Night on February 28, hosted by Mario Brown and Ivanna Samuel, celebrating spoken word and community.

DIVERSEcity presents Black in BC

February 07 | Surrey City Hall (13450 104 Avenue)

This Black History Month, DIVERSEcity Community Resources Society kicks off Black History Month with Black in BC celebrating Black excellence in Surrey and Metro Vancouver. Through inspirational speakers, food, music and dance presentations, this empowering event celebrates the achievements, cultures and contributions of Black Canadians, recognizes and honours Black history in Canada and inspires dialogue and learning.

Celebrate Black History Month with Surrey Libraries

Surrey Libraries invites you to explore the rich history and contributions of Black Canadians this Black History Month. Discover inspiring stories by Black Canadian authors for all ages and take part in special events. Join the online session "BC Black History: Resilience Amid Racism" on February 13 to learn about the strength and perseverance of Black communities. On February 25, visit the Newton Branch for a screening of "Legacy of Resilience: A Black Pioneer Story," a powerful film highlighting Black pioneers in Canada. 

Online Speaker Series: Building a Brighter Future

Celebrate Black History Month and listen to victory stories in this virtual seminar on February 19 hosted by Museum of Surrey. (registration required)

Showcasing Surrey's Black-Owned Restaurants

To commemorate Black History Month, here are some Surrey-based Black-owned restaurants to check out not just in February, but all year long.

Finest Cup Coffee

Located in the neighbourhood of Fleetwood, Finest Cup Coffee is quietly taking on the java giants, and according to their customers, they’re winning! Owner Dereje Belachew hails from Ethiopia, the birthplace of coffee, and as such he sees coffee as more than just a drink, it’s an extension of his culture. At Finest Cup you don’t just grab a coffee and run –  you sit and enjoy your coffee and the atmosphere. Customers rave about enjoying the perfect pour-over and Dereje’s true dedication to taking the time to share the different nuances of the coffee and the stories of the people behind the beans. 109 – 8645 160th Street | Fleetwood

Di Reggae Cafe

“Good food, good vibes” should be the official slogan of North Surrey’s Di Reggae Cafe. The reggae plays as chicken is jerked, oxtail is stewed, and Jamaican patties are quickly consumed. Hearty platters of home cooking greet diners in a mock Jamaica, where everyone is a regular or a regular in the making. Take the oxtail stew: a pile of melt-in-your-mouth stew complete with spinners (hand-spun Jamaican dumplings) hangs with Jamaican rice and peas, fried plantains, slaw, and veggies. Douse it with homemade scotch-bonnet hot sauce and wash it down with a bottle of Tropical Rhythms, then grab a sack of Jamaican patties for the road. No one leaves this cafe hungry–the food goes straight to your soul. 13593 King George Highway | North Surrey

Taste of Africa

Owned by husband and wife team, Isaac and Becky, North Surrey’s Taste Of Africa delivers traditional-style West African dishes that hit all the right flavour notes every single time! The plantains, which are a must-try, are only an entry point into African cuisine. Honey-jerk chicken blows the minds of those unfamiliar with dishes like jollof rice, and the baked tilapia melts in the mouth. Come back for meat pies, beef stew, and soups, plus an exciting collection of African products and a fridge stocked with cold malt–yum! We guarantee you will leave stuffed, happy and planning your return visit. 10663 King George Boulevard | North Surrey

VanSuya

Ekaose Nwadiani, the visionary behind VanSuya, has transformed his culinary inexperience into a thriving venture in the heart of Surrey. When he first arrived in Vancouver, unfamiliar with both the city and cooking, he relied on recipes from his mother in Nigeria. The turning point came during the pandemic, as Nwadiani honed his skills and began crafting Suya—a beloved Nigerian smoked meat skewer—in his basement. The overwhelmingly positive response led him to expand operations from a home kitchen to a commissary setup, utilizing food delivery apps to cater to a wider audience across Metro Vancouver. Now, in late 2023, Van Suya has blossomed into a lounge-style restaurant, offering a sensory journey through the tastes, sounds, and ambience reminiscent of Lagos and Nigeria. Nwadiani invites all to savour the rich tapestry of Nigerian cuisine, featuring perfectly grilled soya, delicious Jollof, mouthwatering stews, and an array of delectable delicacies.  10767 King George Blvd | North Surrey