At this year’s Black Brilliance in BC event, the celebration extended beyond the stage. The venue held displays highlighting Black Canadians whose contributions have shaped the country’s cultural, political and social landscape — grounding the evening in a deeper history of excellence, resilience and leadership.
Ernie King
Guests learned about Ernie King, a musician and community builder who helped define Vancouver’s Black cultural scene. As owner of the Harlen Nocturne from 1957 to 1968 — the city’s first Black-owned nightclub — King created a rare and vibrant space for Black artists and audiences to gather. The club welcomed local talent as well as internationally renowned performers. Even after its closure, King continued championing Black storytelling through theatre and the arts. His message was simple and enduring: “There’s nothing you can’t do.”
Eleanor Collins
The displays also honoured Eleanor Collins, widely know as Canada’s “first lady of jazz.” Born in Edmonton and later a longtime Surrey resident, Collis began her career singing gospel before breaking barriers in radio and television. In 1955, she became the host of a national television series — a groundbreaking achievement at the time. Her legacy is one of artistry and bridge-building. As she once shared, “It was my hope that I could help bridge the perceived differences that divide people.”
Rosemary Brown
Political leadership and advocacy were reflected in the story of Rosemary Brown, who in 1972 became the first Black woman elected to a provincial legislature in Canada. Representing communities in British Columbia for over a decade, Brown championed gender equality, racial justice and affordable housing during a time when few women of colour held public office. Her belief in collective progress continues to resonate: “Until all of us have made it, none of us have made it.”
Jean Augustine
The legacy of national leadership was further represented by Jean Augustine, the first Black Canadian women elected to Parliament. After immigrating to Canada and working as a teacher, Augustine entered politics and went on to serve as parliamentary secretary, deputy speaker and the first Black woman appointed to federal cabinet. Her reminder remains powerful and clear: “Black history is not just for Black people — Black history is Canadian history.”
Elijah McCoy
Innovation and ingenuity were also part of the evening’s storytelling. Elijah McCoy, born in Ontario to parents who escaped slavery through the Underground Railroad, became a master engineer with more than 50 patents. His automatic oil-drip invention revolutionized railway travel and gave rise to the phrase “the real McCoy,” still used today to mean the genuine article. He encouraged future generations to think boldly: “Dream the impossible because dreams do come true.”
Mary Ann Shadd Cary
Mary Ann Shadd Cary was also recognized — an abolitionist, educator and publisher who became the first Black woman in North America to publish a newspaper. Through The Provincial Freeman, founded in Canada in 1853, she advocated for the end of slavery and for women’s rights, while also opening racially integrated schools. Her belief in education as empowerment was unwavering: “Our young women want a more vigorous, practical and useful education … to get her own living.”
Together, these stories offered more than historical reflection. They reminded attendees that today’s leaders stand on foundations built by pioneers who created stages, classrooms, inventions and political pathways where none existed before.
Black Brilliance in BC was a celebration of present-day achievement — and a tribute to the enduring brilliance that continues to shape Canada’s story.