The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community of British Columbia hosted its first Black History Month celebration at Baitur Rahman Mosque in Greater Vancouver on Friday, February 27, 2026. More than 75 delegates from African diaspora communities across the region attended the evening programme, joined by approximately 35 members of the local Jama’at.
The event was organized under the theme “30 Years of Black History Month – Honouring Black Brilliance Across Generations, From Nation Builders to Tomorrow’s Visionaries.” The year 2026 marks three decades since the Canadian government formally recognized Black History Month.
The programme featured addresses by community leaders, an exhibition, and video presentations on the humanitarian work of the Pan-African Ahmadiyya Muslim Association (PAAMA) carried out in Africa through Humanity First and the International Association of Ahmadi Architects and Engineers (IAAAE).
Umar Farooq Chaudhry, Secretary Umoor-e-Kharija of the Vancouver Jama’at, opened the evening with welcoming remarks. Hafiz Talal Ahmad Raja Sahib then presented a recitation of the Holy Qur’an with English translation, followed by a brief introductory video on Khilafat-e-Ahmadiyya and the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community.
Four guest speakers addressed the gathering. Mr. David Varty, Honorary Consul for Senegal, outlined the history and integration of the Senegalese community in British Columbia and Canada, tracing a presence of more than 75 years. Mr. Jonathan Cauri, Executive Director of UMOJA Compassion Operation Society of BC, spoke on the theme of legacy, values, and belonging within the Black diaspora experience. Dr. Emmanuel Taylor, Secretary General of the African People’s Liberation Movement (APLM), discussed the history of the people of Cameroon with a particular focus on the struggle for independence in Southern Cameroon.
Maulana Zafar Sahi Sahib, Missionary Emeritus of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, delivered his address in French for the benefit of the African francophone community. He spoke on the cultural and social values of the African people, with particular emphasis on inter-religious and inter-cultural tolerance.
The programme paused for Iftar at 5:52 PM, as the celebration fell during the month of Ramadan. Following the meal, Dr. Alhaj Abdul Ghani Omokanye Sahib, President of PAAMA Canada, delivered the keynote address. Dr. Omokanye had travelled from Fort McMurray, Alberta, for the occasion.
In his remarks, Dr. Omokanye recognised the heritage and legacy of African Canadian leaders and their contributions to Canada. He provided an overview of the historic injustices faced by African people through centuries of slavery in America and Western Europe. He concluded with the message of Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul-Masih V (aba), delivered to an African delegation, that the third world war has already started and that Africans may be saved and may have the opportunity to lead, but only on the condition of honesty, hard work, and submission to Allah.
Delegates from Cameroon, Southern Cameroon, Chad, Kenya, Senegal, Sudan, and Zimbabwe were represented at the event. Among the community leaders in attendance were Dr. Amos Kambere, President and Founder of UMOJA Operation Compassion Society; Ms. Wambui Wamae of INUKA Community Inc.; Dr. Lawrence Chidzambwa, Executive Director of the Great Zimbabwe Cultural Society of BC (ZICUSO); Ms. Adrianna Spyker, Advisor to the Black Advisory Council at Seeds of Change in Surrey; and Michael Iwerima, President of Voice of African Diaspora (VOADS). Mr. Robert Gabriel and his family represented Grenada.
Following the formal programme, guests were served dinner. All speakers received gifts as tokens of appreciation.
In a message sent after the event, Mr. Cauri wrote that “both my guests and I were truly grateful to be present for such a pleasant evening. I yet again commend the Ahmadiyya community for the important work you are doing to bring people together.”
Dr. Taylor similarly expressed his appreciation, writing that speaking at the event “was a privilege and an affirmation of the values we all cherish” and of “the collective pursuit of peaceful coexistence.”
