Black Canadian Women in Action calls for year-round support for Black creatives
Black Canadian Women in Action brings artists together in Edmonton, with organizers and leaders urging sustained, year-round support to strengthen opportunities, visibility and economic inclusion for Black creatives across the arts sector.
Three paintings, created by Glory Tchuitos, on display at BWC Celebrating Black Arts and Film Photo credit: Cheyanna Young
Black Canadian Women in Action recently brought artists, filmmakers and community members together in Edmonton to highlight Black storytelling, with organizers calling for year-round support for Black creatives across the arts sector.
The organization celebrated Black Voices in Arts and Film at the Orange Hub Theatre on Feb. 13, showcasing Black creatives and culture.
Founded nearly a decade ago, Black Canadian Women in Action (BCW) supports women, girls and families across Western Canada, through community programming, networking opportunities and initiatives promoting Black-owned businesses and entrepreneurs.
Jeanne Brigitte Lehman, CEO of BCW, said the organization’s work is focused on moving beyond symbolic gestures.
“This is not about charity,” Lehman said. “It is about economic partnership, procurement, access, equitable capital and structural inclusion.”
The event’s keynote speaker, Edmonton filmmaker Nauzanin Knight, spoke about building lasting pathways for Black creatives in arts and film. She stressed that meaningful inclusion requires mentorship, advocacy and community investment beyond moments of recognition.
“Pathways aren’t built in theory,” Knight said. “They’re built by people.”
That emphasis on representation and opportunity resonated with participating artists and vendors. First-time vendor Francita Francis, owner of Sacred Balance Wellness, said events like this help challenge stereotypes that continue to shape how Black professionals are perceived.
“Sometimes people will see your colour before they see your potential,” Francis said. “Black people are educated. We are excellent. Sometimes people only see what is depicted in movies — but we are more than that.”
Municipal and provincial leaders also attended the event. Edmonton Mayor Andrew Knack noted that Black History Month programming has expanded significantly since he joined city council in 2013, growing from a single event to many across the city.
Alberta MLA David Shepherd said the growth reflects the power of storytelling and visibility.
“Stories have power,” Shepherd said. “Whose stories get told tells you who holds power.”
The event also featured spoken-word performances that explored identity, emotion and lived experience within Black communities, including a piece titled Why Am I Angry by Devine Favour Ohanwe Chizara.
Organizers and participants emphasized that the work highlighted at the event does not begin or end in February. Organizers said the work highlighted at the event does not begin or end in February, emphasizing the need for continued support for Black creatives throughout the year.
In her keynote speech, Knight said, “When Black creatives shape narratives, we are not just adding representation; we are expanding what is considered human, complex, worthy and true. We are correcting distortions and widening the lens.”
