OCCA is proud to support Africans in Okanagan, a longtime community partner, in hosting the 3rd Annual Black History Month Cultural Celebration on February 28 at the Laurel Packing House in Kelowna.
This community event highlights the richness, diversity, and contributions of Black cultures through live music, fashion, food, dance, and cultural displays. Tickets are available online through Eventbrite, with early bird pricing in effect until February 6.
The partnership between these organizations are a testament of their ongoing commitments to advancing equity, cultural understanding, and cross-community connection in the region. Black History Month is a time to recognize both the historic and present-day contributions of Black communities in Canada and across the world, while creating space for learning and dialogue.
OCCA Executive Director Fei Liu with Africans in the Okanagan founder Sam Ife and OCCA Board Director Lady Dia.
By supporting this event, OCCA continues its work of building inclusive spaces where diverse communities can share their stories and traditions.
OCCA also acknowledges another important Black History Month event taking place the same day: the Business Connect Expo – Okanagan 2026, hosted by the Mind STIRR Culturalpreneurship Development Society at the Kelowna Event Centre. Formerly known as the Black Business Expo, this event brings together “culturalpreneurs,” local business owners, innovators, and community leaders to explore the intersection of culture, entrepreneurship, and community impact.
Together, these events reflect the strength, leadership, and growing presence of Black-led initiatives in the Okanagan, and OCCA is honoured to stand alongside partners who are creating meaningful spaces for celebration, learning, and economic empowerment during Black History Month.
About Africans in Okanagan:
The Association of Africans in Okanagan is a nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening the social well‑being, inclusion, and resilience of African and Black residents in the Okanagan region. We support community members through culturally informed programs, newcomer settlement assistance, youth mentorship, anti‑racism education, and initiatives that build meaningful social connections. Our work highlights the contributions of African residents while addressing the social and economic barriers that impact immigrant and minority communities.
About OCCA Communities Association:
The OCCA Communities Association is a registered charity and non-profit umbrella organization serving multicultural communities across the Central Okanagan, including Kelowna, West Kelowna, Peachland, and Lake Country, with our region spanning nearly 100 kilometres from Peachland to Vernon. We offer services to everyone, and our virtual programs reach rural areas across the Okanagan, committing to fostering an inclusive, vibrant, and equitable society where immigrants, refugees, and equity-deserving groups can thrive and meaningfully contribute to building a sustainable community.
OCCA Fei Liu and Lady Dia at the 2025 Annual Black History Month Celebration hosted by Africans in Okanagan.
We respectfully acknowledge that the OCCA is operating on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territory of the Syilx Okanagan Nation.
Please note that we will have a photographer on site during the events. If you prefer not to be featured in any photographs, kindly contact OCCA at info@occabc.ca.
