Black History Month with a fist on the left

Black History Month: My Black History is Poetry, Is Jazz

February 3 2026, 12:30 - 2 pm

My Black History is Poetry, is Jazz. Join Dr. Sonnet L’Abbé and Nick Peck at the View Gallery for a braiding of poetry, Afro-diasporic music and history. Nick plays jazz piano as Sonnet tells their story of Black expression, performing both covers and their own work. 

Thank you to Dr. Sonnet L’Abbé and the Faculty of Arts and Humanities for organizing Black History Month events at VIU. Other Black History Month events at VIU: 

Thursday February 12, 7 pm: 

Author Ruby Diaz Smith on her book, Searching for Seraphim. Co-presented with the Nanaimo Historical Society and Nanaimo Community Archives. In Building 180, Room 134 (lecture theatre).

Thursday February 19, 12 to 2 pm: 

Black History Month Book Club. Let’s read and discuss The Skin We’re In by Desmond Cole. In the Malaspina Theatre lobby.

Monday, February 23, 2:30 to 4 pm: 

Speaking Black Voices: A BHM Open Mic in the Malaspina Theatre. Come read anything by a Black author! 

Friday, February 27, 10:30 am: 

A Pan-African Feminist Blueprint for Peace in Sudan. Join Dr. Amel Aldehaib in conversation with Dr. Magnolia Pauker. Event is online. Register

Date and Time:
February 3 2026, 12:30 - 2 pm
Attendance: In-person
Location: Nanaimo campus
Building: The View Gallery: Building 330
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