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.
DIVERSEcity presents Black in BC
February 01 | Surrey City Hall (13450 104 Avenue)
This Black History Month, DIVERSEcity Community Resources Society kicks off Black History Month with the second annual Black in BC event celebrating Black excellence in Surrey and Metro Vancouver. Through inspirational speakers, food, music and dance presentations, this empowering event will celebrate the achievements, cultures and contributions of Black Canadians, recognize and honour Black history in Canada and inspire dialogue and learning.
Making Histories: An Exhibition of Black Artists
On until April 3, 2024 | 6188 – 176 Street (second floor)
Explore the captivating artwork of four talented Black artists from Surrey, Langley, and New Westminster at the free Making Histories: An Exhibition of Black Artists. This exhibition, showcasing the creativity of Devon Mars, Clancy A.F. Ngolah, Collin Patrick, and Anthony Santiago, is on at the Cloverdale Recreation Centre until April 3. Immerse yourself in the vibrant expressions that collectively honour Black History Month through their diverse perspectives and artistic visions.
Open Mic Poetry Night
February 10 | 13750 88 Avenue
Come together for an inspiring celebration of creativity, community, and spoken word at BLAC’s open-mic poetry night on Saturday, February 10. Immerse yourself in an evening of poetry and literary readings, accompanied by light refreshments, in the company of passionate creatives. Hosted by Marlo Brown.
Film Screening with Black Arts Centre (BLAC)
February 21 | 13750 88 Avenue
Celebrate Black History Month by attending BLAC’s film screening of School Daze, written and directed by Spike Lee, at the Surrey Art Gallery. Following the screening, join in a conversation led by BLAC curator Olumoroti (Moroti) Soji-George and Gallery Assistant Curator Suvi Bains, delving into the themes of hair presented in the film.
Online Speaker Series: Hidden Histories
February 22 | Virtual
Participate in a virtual discussion hosted by the Museum of Surrey as we pay tribute to Black History Month. Uncover obscured Black histories that have influenced the Lower Mainland and were often overlooked in traditional textbooks during this enlightening seminar.
Hip Hop Battle & Jam
February 25 | 105-10305 City Parkway
Head to the Black Arts Centre on Sunday, February 25 to celebrate Black History Month at the Obsidian Hip Hop battle and jam, organized by KatchFlow. This community event marks a monumental Hip Hop bottle and jam, dedicated to celebrating Black History Month. This is a Black-led and-centred occasion showcasing the richness of Black culture and talent. While the primary focus is on creating a space that amplifies and uplifts Black voices and experiences, all are welcome to participate in this shared celebration.
For more Black History Month events and workshops visit the Black Arts Centre on social media for their February calendar of events.
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
Tommies Jerk
Tucked away at the end of a cul-de-sac in Cloverdale, and marked only by a low-key sandwich board, is Tommies Jerk. Find it and you will have hit the flavour jackpot. Every Friday and Saturday from 12 to 8 pm, this hidden dining gem serves up Jamaican jerk chicken and beef tacos, Mama’s Rice and Peas, Jerk Chicken Walking Nachos and the most incredible lemonade. Chef Tai (Tobias Brown), the owner, does the grilling the serving and the selfie-taking and it’s all done with a huge smile and a level of energy that is truly contagious. Great food, great vibes and great people mean that you’ll be back again and again. 5337 180 Street | Cloverdale
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
Alebi African Cuisine
At Alebi, you’ll feel like you’re dining at the owner’s home … the food radiates love and care. Come for the chicken, stay for the soups and succulent rices, and leave with your beans in a doggy bag… you’ll want them later. With good vibes, good malt, and great food, Alebi is an experience for groups of friends and solo travellers alike. Experienced diners will find several exciting delicacies on the menu. Plantains are a must!