In the fall of 2012, a group of like‐minded individuals came together to discuss their dreams and aspirations for BC's Black community. The group acknowledged that while sharing common race and African ancestry, Black Canadians are diverse in terms of culture, religion, and language of origin. That group also recognized that BC's growing and vibrant Black community has strong historical roots in the province, yet its contributions and needs are often overlooked by decision‐makers at every level. And finally, the group identified as a priority the establishment of a Black cultural centre for the community, which was envisioned as becoming a hub or gathering place to:

• educate and inform ourselves and the broader community about the historical and contemporary contributions of members of the Black community to British Columbian and Canadian society,
• provide support services to our children and youth, seniors, and newcomers, and,
• host celebratory and other community events