BLACK HISTORY & FUTURES MONTH ALCOVE PORTRAIT PROJECT
February 1 - March 31, 2024
A celebration of African Diasporic Community Members and Staff of Britannia Community Centre. Highlighting 13 of our most treasured and beloved for their contributions and ties to the community. 2 foamcore portraits are strung up to show the Britannia Community a larger range of the talents and initiatives that the African Community has been putting energy towards organizing. Black artists, instructors, activists, organizers, retail owners, entrepreneurs, educators, musicians, dancers, and founders all sharing space, interconnected and fully curated by their own voices and preferences
Collis
Proud Canadian Jamaican, grew up on Venables st., 80s kid. Began at Britannia preschool program, went all through, played for Britannia and East Van minor, completed grade 12 in 1995, and joined the world. Currently working as a facility coordinator at Britannia community centre. “The significance of Britannia and Black History Month is reminiscent of early Britannia growing from a regular recreation centre, to a real community hub. Observing the positive growth of Britannia through the 80's to now, and the multicultural diversity, and atmosphere, that makes Britannia feel like home. Being only a handful of black student’s early on, was culturally lonely at times, but through great faculty, support from the board of management and community inclusion, it has become a home for people of all backgrounds, including Afro Canadians. I feel projects like this and others that support Black History Month is very important, not only for coming together as people, understanding each other, but also helping the esteem and confidence of young Afro Canadian youth, and a reminder, that African heritage is important, not only for black peoples, but all humans, since we all share an African gene . Once people and communities embrace these factors, and become more educated on key issues, our community will thrive. Thank you Amanda, and Jess, for making this Black History month matter. Additionally I have started a mini project designing custom shoes. My very first shoe design is an important one, every child matters. I feel the importance of acknowledgement and healing within the indigenous and non indigenous community, and I designed a shoe for it. The shoe is high quality leather, manufactured in Italy and it is available for $199.00, a percentage of the cost is going to be given to the every child matters initiative, this project is important to me, and hopefully I see the shoe on a bunch of feet soon to remind people, all lives matter, and together, we can make a positive difference in the community.
Contact : [email protected]
Meet Inès ♥︎, a visionary designer of @gentil.coeur.en.soie, who transforms recycled fabrics and materials into one-of-a-kind pieces. With Garifuna ancestry enriching their artistic heritage, Inès infuses each creation with a sense of wonder and whimsy, drawing inspiration from the natural world and the depth of human experience. Their designs weave together dreams and memories, inviting wearers to forge meaningful connections with the world around them. At the Britannia Community Centre, Inès found a profound sense of belonging and warmth upon their arrival in Vancouver. Even as they embark on new adventures outside the city, the vibrant neighborhoods of East Van and Commercial Drive, alongside the welcoming embrace of Britannia Community Centre, remain cherished havens—places where familiarity meets possibility, and where creativity thrives.
Daniela Guerrero-Rodriguez
Daniela Guerrero-Rodriguez (she/they) is a queer Latinx immigrant of Indigenous, European, and African ancestry, and currently a settler on the stolen lands of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm, Sḵwx̱wú7mesh, and səlilwətaɬ peoples, colonially known as Vancouver, BC.
She is a trauma informed, intersectional, and liberation centered facilitator, educator and interdisciplinary community practice artist who works with groups at the intersection of art and change to nurture what emerges.
When she was three years old she arrived in this neighbourhood after moving here from her lush green ancestral lands, the lands of the Huetar speaking people, (colonially known as Costa Rica). She spent her childhood in South Van, her early adulthood in the USA, Caribbean and Toronto. In her travels she enjoyed learning about different cultures and saw the importance of art in building community resilience. Once back in so-called Vancouver, over a decade after being gone, she saw the opportunity for combining those interests. She worked in a cafe and got to know neighbours in order to organize for arts and culture, when she worked in mental health she infused art into her work to support her clients, and as a facilitator with a community art practice she supports folks in exploring social change by using art, while incorporating knowledge about our nervous system. She is always getting to know her neighbours on and off line, and offering community workshops whether they be for activism, art, emergency preparedness, or community building.
"Say hi next time you see me on the street, and if you want to keep up with my ponderings follow me @danielagr.co" :)
Portia Sam
I lived right around the corner from Brittania for many years. My son played hockey at Britannia, took swimming, Used the library and the tennis courts and the park. He also went to school for a few years at Britannia secondary. I moved to the neighbourhood In 91. I came from downtown. We only lived downtown a short time when we moved to Vancouver, but it felt very cold. We found the drive and the neighbourhood felt like home and then it became home. I love the way the community bands together. It’s a community with heart. I’ve had a few businesses on the drive. I’ve always felt supported. You can find me at Miscellany finds , a thrift store for social change. I am currently the program Manager. We do outreach in the community and run many programs for women on the edges of society. We liaison with the Community Police Office, and we try to be good community members. I no longer reside in this neighbourhood but this is definitely my community. It’s the one I chose and the one that chose me.
www.miscellanyfinds.ca
[email protected]
@miscellanyfinds
Shay Carr
Originally from Brooklyn, N.Y., Shay immigrated to Canada in 2012 to work in Vancouver's booming film industry and is a dual citizen of Canada and the U.S.A. From early childhood, she has always been a creative spirit. Drawing has been an outlet for her to express her emotions.
During her time in high school, in New York City, she participated in numerous art programs, competitions, and workshops. She received a B.F.A from Syracuse University and M.A. from the Fashion Institute. She freelanced as a graphic designer in the U.S.A. before immigrating to Canada.
She currently works full-time in post-production in the film industry and during her spare time works on her artwork. Her artwork is a blend of her obsession with Bohemianism and modern-day patterns and shapes from the African Diaspora. Living in Vancouver inspired her to explore a different style of art, a marriage between the urban East Coast and the serene landscape of the Pacific Northwest. Her art is meant to evoke calm in one's surroundings with the use of a subtle color palette and raised surfaces as well as paying homage to her heritage.
Shay also has a passion for dance and has taught Hip Hop dance cardio in Vancouver for several years. She believes dance brings joy and unites people from all different communities; it is a universal language.
www.beauhomeboutique.com @beauhomeboutique
Danais Yera
An East Vancouver/Commercial Drive resident that moved here from Cuba tens years ago. Danais has a background in dance, music and event coordination. She has worked at Britannia as a Gallery Curator, Coffee House Curator, Pool Cashier, and Event Coordinator. As well, Danais has worked for Vancouver Latin American Culture Centre also located in the East Vancouver community, sharing the Latin American voice and experience to Vancouver with such events as the Sal Ferreras Puerto Rico Roots and Rhythms event at the Vancouver Playhouse. Danais is also a mother to two beautiful boys who fill her heart.
Paul Maxi Theophile Talbot
Paul Maxi Theophile Talbot is a local connection working out of Britannia Elementary Community school. He works as a support worker with kids with special needs, and also brings a musical aspect to his teachings. Paul is a local musician who has performed at local events and venues such as car free days, the Chinese Garden, Trees Organic Coffee House, Aperture Cafe, and has performed at such festivals as Hike for Hospice, Champlain Heights Community Fair, and many others. He is now involved with two Vancouver based bands "The Here and Now" which is a fusion of blues, soul, funk, and rock. His other project " Beats Blues and Bars" is a hip hop fusion of blues and funk. Born in Haiti and raised by a Canadian family, Paul Maxi Theophile Talbot has lived in a very multicultural surrounding, and has had the fortune of being around all cultures and backgrounds. He will continue to be a supporter of multiculturalism and strong supporter of black history. He will continue to build the gap between ethnicities and cultures.
Karine Zmour
Hi, my name is Karine and I’ve been living in this part of town since I moved here from Ontario. In the 90s I joined a local, Commercial Drive band called NGOMA and that changed this suburban Ottawa kid’s view on life. I had just arrived in Van after hitchhiking from Banff and the next thing I knew was touring the Gulf Islands and across Canada. Fun! I think I was born to be creative but being the 1st generation child of immigrants from Haiti (my parents arrived in ‘65 and ‘69), they viewed the arts as something that makes a person whole but they expected me to be a lawyer.
For me, art is life. I still get to sing, from time to time, with local musicians and this fills my soul. I discovered my passion for making things out of cement 5 years ago and have been exploring this amazing medium ever since with sustainability, accessibility and usefulness always at the forefront of my mind. I make homeware accessories that I dye with my homemade blend of carrot top greens and red onion peels.
I’ve been sharing this knowledge through the workshops I teach here at Britannia Community Centre. Britannia Community Centre is the heart of Commercial Drive, in my opinion.
Thank you!
Instagram: @hummingbirdcementworks
Yaimel López Zaldívar
Yaimel López Zaldívar is a Cuban multi-media artist based in Canada. His work as a professional encompasses experimental animation, print media, graphic design and illustration. Since May 2019, he is now based in Vancouver, where he has worked as an artist, graphic designer and educator. He has collaborated with various organizations, including the Vancouver Latin-AmericanFilm Festival (VLAFF), Vancouver Latin-American Cultural Center (VLACC), and Vancouver Foundation. As an educator, he has taught workshops at Britannia Community Center, Emily Carr, Kiwassa neighbourhood House and others. Has taken part in several group and solo exhibitions.
Carlos Reyes
Carlos Reyes, originally from Havana, Cuba, immigrated to Vancouver, Canada back in 2003. Carlos brought with him his country’s love and passion for music and dance, salsa and especially the unique dance form known as “Rueda de Casino.”
Around 2005, Carlos started teaching Cuban Salsa classes at Britannia Community Centre. He has not stopped since. This year, 2024, 19 years later, his classes are still one of the most popular activities at this community center. Carlos teaches four different levels on four different nights of the week.He is well known in the community for his fun and entertaining teaching methodology, his approachability & eagerness to share his knowledge with the students; his patience, as well as his involvement in activities that help elevate the Salsa community.
Along with Sara, his dance partner and life partner, they have enriched this community together for 17 years. They have been living on The Drive since 2009, and you can find them using Britannia’s amenities or strolling around the neighbourhood on any day of week. For more information about Carlos Reyes, please visit his website, www.salsaestilocubano.com
Allyson Riley
Allyson teaches HIIT & ZUMBASH classes Tuesday’s & Thursdays and has taught fitness & dance at Britannia Community Centre for 17 years. Allyson is a certified Fitness & Zumba Instructor and dancer. She has performed with the Royal Winnipeg Ballet Professional Programme, the Ottawa Ballet, Les Grands Ballet Canadiens, the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, and with the VSO Symphony Orchestra. She is also involved with Flamenco Dance and theatre productions in Vancouver.
Zach Saunder
Zach Saunders, a Vancouver native but raised in Hampton, Virginia, USA, is a versatile musician blending an array of cultural influences into his soulful tunes. With an African American father and Cree and Carrier First Nations mother, Zach's music mirrors a tapestry of rich heritage and experiences. Over nearly two decades, he has explored various genres like soul, rock, blues, and reggae. Among his repertoire, "Not Over You" stands out as one of Zach's most beloved tracks, boasting popularity on Spotify. Regularly gracing the stage at Famoso Pizzeria on Commercial Drive, Zach enchants audiences every third Wednesday of the month from 7pm to 9pm. Alongside performing covers, Zach is currently working on new music and will be testing out fresh tracks at Famoso, promising an exciting blend of familiar and original tunes. Stay in the loop with Zach's latest gigs and releases by following him on Instagram at "thezachsaunders." He finds inspiration in the vibrant culture and community spirit of Commercial Drive, where he has deep family ties. Through his music, Zach aims to forge connections and create memorable experiences for his audience. Join him on his musical journey and immerse yourself in the magic of Zach Saunders.
Lexi Mellish Mingo
Lexi Mellish Mingo (she/they) is an artist and community worker on unceded and unsurrendered MST territories. Their work strives to generate liberatory joy through art, community care, celebration, and unbound expression. They are a songwriter, musician (@apoca.lilex), visual artist, and future filmmaker and co-founder of art ecosystem, an arts-based community care project. Lexi follows the work of art-based movement leaders before her, weaving artistry into their work as a youth programmer, community member, friend, and family member.
“The Role of the Artist is to make the revolution Irresistible”-Toni Cayde Bambara
Photography by Jess Sung
Each model is then contacted after uninstalling, to be gifted a portrait of their choice. This project is to be added upon every Black History & Futures Month so that a concerted effort to connect and give respect to the African community is a continual thought to consciously build upon. Stronger ties, forged connections, cementing community.
BLACK HISTORY & FUTURES MONTH ALCOVE PORTRAIT PROJECT
February 1 - March 31, 2024
A celebration of African Diasporic Community Members and Staff of Britannia Community Centre. Highlighting 13 of our most treasured and beloved for their contributions and ties to the community. 2 foamcore portraits are strung up to show the Britannia Community a larger range of the talents and initiatives that the African Community has been putting energy towards organizing. Black artists, instructors, activists, organizers, retail owners, entrepreneurs, educators, musicians, dancers, and founders all sharing space, interconnected and fully curated by their own voices and preferences
Collis
Proud Canadian Jamaican, grew up on Venables st., 80s kid. Began at Britannia preschool program, went all through, played for Britannia and East Van minor, completed grade 12 in 1995, and joined the world. Currently working as a facility coordinator at Britannia community centre. “The significance of Britannia and Black History Month is reminiscent of early Britannia growing from a regular recreation centre, to a real community hub. Observing the positive growth of Britannia through the 80's to now, and the multicultural diversity, and atmosphere, that makes Britannia feel like home. Being only a handful of black student’s early on, was culturally lonely at times, but through great faculty, support from the board of management and community inclusion, it has become a home for people of all backgrounds, including Afro Canadians. I feel projects like this and others that support Black History Month is very important, not only for coming together as people, understanding each other, but also helping the esteem and confidence of young Afro Canadian youth, and a reminder, that African heritage is important, not only for black peoples, but all humans, since we all share an African gene . Once people and communities embrace these factors, and become more educated on key issues, our community will thrive. Thank you Amanda, and Jess, for making this Black History month matter. Additionally I have started a mini project designing custom shoes. My very first shoe design is an important one, every child matters. I feel the importance of acknowledgement and healing within the indigenous and non indigenous community, and I designed a shoe for it. The shoe is high quality leather, manufactured in Italy and it is available for $199.00, a percentage of the cost is going to be given to the every child matters initiative, this project is important to me, and hopefully I see the shoe on a bunch of feet soon to remind people, all lives matter, and together, we can make a positive difference in the community.
Contact : [email protected]
Meet Inès ♥︎, a visionary designer of @gentil.coeur.en.soie, who transforms recycled fabrics and materials into one-of-a-kind pieces. With Garifuna ancestry enriching their artistic heritage, Inès infuses each creation with a sense of wonder and whimsy, drawing inspiration from the natural world and the depth of human experience. Their designs weave together dreams and memories, inviting wearers to forge meaningful connections with the world around them. At the Britannia Community Centre, Inès found a profound sense of belonging and warmth upon their arrival in Vancouver. Even as they embark on new adventures outside the city, the vibrant neighborhoods of East Van and Commercial Drive, alongside the welcoming embrace of Britannia Community Centre, remain cherished havens—places where familiarity meets possibility, and where creativity thrives.
Daniela Guerrero-Rodriguez
Daniela Guerrero-Rodriguez (she/they) is a queer Latinx immigrant of Indigenous, European, and African ancestry, and currently a settler on the stolen lands of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm, Sḵwx̱wú7mesh, and səlilwətaɬ peoples, colonially known as Vancouver, BC.
She is a trauma informed, intersectional, and liberation centered facilitator, educator and interdisciplinary community practice artist who works with groups at the intersection of art and change to nurture what emerges.
When she was three years old she arrived in this neighbourhood after moving here from her lush green ancestral lands, the lands of the Huetar speaking people, (colonially known as Costa Rica). She spent her childhood in South Van, her early adulthood in the USA, Caribbean and Toronto. In her travels she enjoyed learning about different cultures and saw the importance of art in building community resilience. Once back in so-called Vancouver, over a decade after being gone, she saw the opportunity for combining those interests. She worked in a cafe and got to know neighbours in order to organize for arts and culture, when she worked in mental health she infused art into her work to support her clients, and as a facilitator with a community art practice she supports folks in exploring social change by using art, while incorporating knowledge about our nervous system. She is always getting to know her neighbours on and off line, and offering community workshops whether they be for activism, art, emergency preparedness, or community building.
"Say hi next time you see me on the street, and if you want to keep up with my ponderings follow me @danielagr.co" :)
Portia Sam
I lived right around the corner from Brittania for many years. My son played hockey at Britannia, took swimming, Used the library and the tennis courts and the park. He also went to school for a few years at Britannia secondary. I moved to the neighbourhood In 91. I came from downtown. We only lived downtown a short time when we moved to Vancouver, but it felt very cold. We found the drive and the neighbourhood felt like home and then it became home. I love the way the community bands together. It’s a community with heart. I’ve had a few businesses on the drive. I’ve always felt supported. You can find me at Miscellany finds , a thrift store for social change. I am currently the program Manager. We do outreach in the community and run many programs for women on the edges of society. We liaison with the Community Police Office, and we try to be good community members. I no longer reside in this neighbourhood but this is definitely my community. It’s the one I chose and the one that chose me.
www.miscellanyfinds.ca
[email protected]
@miscellanyfinds
Shay Carr
Originally from Brooklyn, N.Y., Shay immigrated to Canada in 2012 to work in Vancouver's booming film industry and is a dual citizen of Canada and the U.S.A. From early childhood, she has always been a creative spirit. Drawing has been an outlet for her to express her emotions.
During her time in high school, in New York City, she participated in numerous art programs, competitions, and workshops. She received a B.F.A from Syracuse University and M.A. from the Fashion Institute. She freelanced as a graphic designer in the U.S.A. before immigrating to Canada.
She currently works full-time in post-production in the film industry and during her spare time works on her artwork. Her artwork is a blend of her obsession with Bohemianism and modern-day patterns and shapes from the African Diaspora. Living in Vancouver inspired her to explore a different style of art, a marriage between the urban East Coast and the serene landscape of the Pacific Northwest. Her art is meant to evoke calm in one's surroundings with the use of a subtle color palette and raised surfaces as well as paying homage to her heritage.
Shay also has a passion for dance and has taught Hip Hop dance cardio in Vancouver for several years. She believes dance brings joy and unites people from all different communities; it is a universal language.
www.beauhomeboutique.com @beauhomeboutique
Danais Yera
An East Vancouver/Commercial Drive resident that moved here from Cuba tens years ago. Danais has a background in dance, music and event coordination. She has worked at Britannia as a Gallery Curator, Coffee House Curator, Pool Cashier, and Event Coordinator. As well, Danais has worked for Vancouver Latin American Culture Centre also located in the East Vancouver community, sharing the Latin American voice and experience to Vancouver with such events as the Sal Ferreras Puerto Rico Roots and Rhythms event at the Vancouver Playhouse. Danais is also a mother to two beautiful boys who fill her heart.
Paul Maxi Theophile Talbot
Paul Maxi Theophile Talbot is a local connection working out of Britannia Elementary Community school. He works as a support worker with kids with special needs, and also brings a musical aspect to his teachings. Paul is a local musician who has performed at local events and venues such as car free days, the Chinese Garden, Trees Organic Coffee House, Aperture Cafe, and has performed at such festivals as Hike for Hospice, Champlain Heights Community Fair, and many others. He is now involved with two Vancouver based bands "The Here and Now" which is a fusion of blues, soul, funk, and rock. His other project " Beats Blues and Bars" is a hip hop fusion of blues and funk. Born in Haiti and raised by a Canadian family, Paul Maxi Theophile Talbot has lived in a very multicultural surrounding, and has had the fortune of being around all cultures and backgrounds. He will continue to be a supporter of multiculturalism and strong supporter of black history. He will continue to build the gap between ethnicities and cultures.
Karine Zmour
Hi, my name is Karine and I’ve been living in this part of town since I moved here from Ontario. In the 90s I joined a local, Commercial Drive band called NGOMA and that changed this suburban Ottawa kid’s view on life. I had just arrived in Van after hitchhiking from Banff and the next thing I knew was touring the Gulf Islands and across Canada. Fun! I think I was born to be creative but being the 1st generation child of immigrants from Haiti (my parents arrived in ‘65 and ‘69), they viewed the arts as something that makes a person whole but they expected me to be a lawyer.
For me, art is life. I still get to sing, from time to time, with local musicians and this fills my soul. I discovered my passion for making things out of cement 5 years ago and have been exploring this amazing medium ever since with sustainability, accessibility and usefulness always at the forefront of my mind. I make homeware accessories that I dye with my homemade blend of carrot top greens and red onion peels.
I’ve been sharing this knowledge through the workshops I teach here at Britannia Community Centre. Britannia Community Centre is the heart of Commercial Drive, in my opinion.
Thank you!
Instagram: @hummingbirdcementworks
Yaimel López Zaldívar
Yaimel López Zaldívar is a Cuban multi-media artist based in Canada. His work as a professional encompasses experimental animation, print media, graphic design and illustration. Since May 2019, he is now based in Vancouver, where he has worked as an artist, graphic designer and educator. He has collaborated with various organizations, including the Vancouver Latin-AmericanFilm Festival (VLAFF), Vancouver Latin-American Cultural Center (VLACC), and Vancouver Foundation. As an educator, he has taught workshops at Britannia Community Center, Emily Carr, Kiwassa neighbourhood House and others. Has taken part in several group and solo exhibitions.
Carlos Reyes
Carlos Reyes, originally from Havana, Cuba, immigrated to Vancouver, Canada back in 2003. Carlos brought with him his country’s love and passion for music and dance, salsa and especially the unique dance form known as “Rueda de Casino.”
Around 2005, Carlos started teaching Cuban Salsa classes at Britannia Community Centre. He has not stopped since. This year, 2024, 19 years later, his classes are still one of the most popular activities at this community center. Carlos teaches four different levels on four different nights of the week.He is well known in the community for his fun and entertaining teaching methodology, his approachability & eagerness to share his knowledge with the students; his patience, as well as his involvement in activities that help elevate the Salsa community.
Along with Sara, his dance partner and life partner, they have enriched this community together for 17 years. They have been living on The Drive since 2009, and you can find them using Britannia’s amenities or strolling around the neighbourhood on any day of week. For more information about Carlos Reyes, please visit his website, www.salsaestilocubano.com
Allyson Riley
Allyson teaches HIIT & ZUMBASH classes Tuesday’s & Thursdays and has taught fitness & dance at Britannia Community Centre for 17 years. Allyson is a certified Fitness & Zumba Instructor and dancer. She has performed with the Royal Winnipeg Ballet Professional Programme, the Ottawa Ballet, Les Grands Ballet Canadiens, the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, and with the VSO Symphony Orchestra. She is also involved with Flamenco Dance and theatre productions in Vancouver.
Zach Saunder
Zach Saunders, a Vancouver native but raised in Hampton, Virginia, USA, is a versatile musician blending an array of cultural influences into his soulful tunes. With an African American father and Cree and Carrier First Nations mother, Zach's music mirrors a tapestry of rich heritage and experiences. Over nearly two decades, he has explored various genres like soul, rock, blues, and reggae. Among his repertoire, "Not Over You" stands out as one of Zach's most beloved tracks, boasting popularity on Spotify. Regularly gracing the stage at Famoso Pizzeria on Commercial Drive, Zach enchants audiences every third Wednesday of the month from 7pm to 9pm. Alongside performing covers, Zach is currently working on new music and will be testing out fresh tracks at Famoso, promising an exciting blend of familiar and original tunes. Stay in the loop with Zach's latest gigs and releases by following him on Instagram at "thezachsaunders." He finds inspiration in the vibrant culture and community spirit of Commercial Drive, where he has deep family ties. Through his music, Zach aims to forge connections and create memorable experiences for his audience. Join him on his musical journey and immerse yourself in the magic of Zach Saunders.
Lexi Mellish Mingo
Lexi Mellish Mingo (she/they) is an artist and community worker on unceded and unsurrendered MST territories. Their work strives to generate liberatory joy through art, community care, celebration, and unbound expression. They are a songwriter, musician (@apoca.lilex), visual artist, and future filmmaker and co-founder of art ecosystem, an arts-based community care project. Lexi follows the work of art-based movement leaders before her, weaving artistry into their work as a youth programmer, community member, friend, and family member.
“The Role of the Artist is to make the revolution Irresistible”-Toni Cayde Bambara
Photography by Jess Sung
Each model is then contacted after uninstalling, to be gifted a portrait of their choice. This project is to be added upon every Black History & Futures Month so that a concerted effort to connect and give respect to the African community is a continual thought to consciously build upon. Stronger ties, forged connections, cementing community.
