Kamloops is once again preparing to celebrate Black History Month with a vibrant, community-centered event that promises to be empowering, uplifting, and unforgettable.
The Kamloops Black History Celebration 2026, hosted by Valid Dreams Foundation, will take place on Feb. 21 from 5:00 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. at the Thompson Rivers University Grand Hall.
The event is open to everyone and aims to bring communities together through storytelling, culture, and shared experiences. With a focus on unity and learning, this celebration offers residents a chance to deepen their understanding of Black history and cultures in a welcoming and inclusive environment.
Valid Dreams Foundation began with a simple but powerful goal, to break down social isolation and build bridges between individuals and communities. Executive director Sally Martin explained the foundation’s purpose, saying it was started by a group of individuals to break social isolation, break barriers, going to individuals and connect communities, and different cultures.
“The black community has, since time immemorial, been a part of our existence,” Martin said. “It is important for every community to learn about each other and the different stories we all carry with us, and in this particular case about the history of the black community, about the culture, and what shapes who they are.”
Attendees can expect an evening filled with diverse stories, inspiring experiences, and celebrations of Black excellence within the community. The event will also feature multicultural performances, a fashion show, and a delicious selection of traditional African and Afro-Caribbean cuisines.
Martin explains that the celebration is about more than entertainment, it’s about sharing the history and culture of the Black community in a way that fosters understanding and appreciation.
The success of the event relies heavily on community partnerships and support. “Without the partnerships, we would not be able to put the event as we have in the past.” Martin said.
The sponsors and partners of Valid Dream Foundation have made it possible for Kamloops to enjoy multicultural events. “The sponsors allow us to appreciate Black talent, bring cultural experiences, and deepen the overall event,” Martin said.
Residents can support the foundation in many ways beyond attending the event. offers monthly cultural dinners in collaboration with Como United Church, giving people a chance to connect with different cultures and newcomers throughout the year. Volunteering, sponsorship, and financial donations.
“We try our best to break barriers for individuals,” Martin said, “so purchasing tickets for those who might not afford them is always a great way to support us.”
A new kid’s fashion show will also be added to this years celebration. “A lot of the times kids are not always reflected in community events,” Martin said. “We want to incorporate children. We want to build that talent, build the confidence, and also allow children to have an opportunity to experience the event and to be a part of what makes black history month so special.”
The event has grown steadily since its beginnings. “When we started, we had only 50 people, and now we have about 150 to 200 people attending every year,” Martin said.
She also shared that the celebration has expanded to Kelowna, where they now host a yearly event. “We hope once we have stabilized that, we can replicate and support at the smaller communities that might not have the capacity to be able to facilitate such again.”
Tickets and details can be found at https://www.validdreamsfoundation.com