The College of New Caledonia (CNC) and Prince George African Heritage Society (PGAHS) are celebrating Black History Month with an Afro Fusion Cuisine Dinner Dance and Entertainment on Feb. 23.
The celebration, now in its 22nd year, has become a longstanding cultural tradition in the community. Last year, CNC and PGAHS’ Black History Month celebration raised $1,652.50 for the Dominican Hurricane Maria Relief Fund and $1,652.50 for Give a Chance Society. This year, proceeds from the celebration will fund the CNC Black History Committee Endowment Bursary.
“It’s important to celebrate and learn from the past during Black History Month,” said CNC Instructor and one of the event organizers George Kaweesi, in a news release. “But it’s also important we come together to celebrate while also continuing to build a future for our youth.”
The Afro Fusion Cuisine Dinner, Dance, and Entertainment is hosted at CNC’s Prince George campus. The event kicks off with appetizers and drinks at 5:30 p.m. with dinner at 6:30 p.m. and entertainment and dance with DJ Darkness to follow.
The Afro Fusion Cuisine Dinner, Dance, and Entertainment is $25 for ages 13 and older, $10 for ages seven to 12 and free for children six and younger. Tickets can be purchased at the CNC Bookstore, UNBC Bookstore, Books and Company, DJ Afro Superstore, and at the door if available.
CNC President Henry Reiser said celebrating the diverse cultures in Canada is important for the college.
“CNC is a true community college, but we are also increasingly dynamic and international” he said. “We all benefit from this infusion of culture coming together on our campus. CNC is proud to be a supporter of the Black History Month Celebration, which brings our community together every year.”
In honour of Black History Month, CNC also has a display of traditional African history and culture up in the library.