The Friends of the BC Archives host a speakers series, which are provided in person in Victoria, as well as online through Zoom. The October speaker is Fran Morrison called: Black Pioneers in BC: Economic, Political, and Social Influences.
The presentation is being held on October 16 at 2 p.m. Attend in person at the Newcombe Hall, Royal BC Museum (675 Belleville St, Victoria), or online through Zoom (register here).
This presentation will tell the story of the migration and settlement of Black people in B.C., starting in 1858. Fran Morrison will draw on archival images, genealogical records, newspapers, and manuscripts to describe the backgrounds, skills, interests and achievements of Black people in B.C., as well as the attitudes they historically confronted. The discussion will touch on a range of topics, including economics, employment, education, women, politics and human rights issues, while also highlighting specific archival materials that have helped Fran piece to together this important history.
Fran Morrison originates from Nova Scotia, where her maternal ancestors arrived as Black Loyalists after the American War of Independence in 1783. She moved to British Columbia with her family in 1992. Fran has worked in the private and public sector for more than 25 years in project management, operations management, and contract management. She is currently a Director with BC Black History Awareness Society where she manages and oversees content research and development, fosters community partnerships, and delivers presentations on early BC Black History. Her recent work includes co-authoring Challenging Racist ‘British Columbia’ (2021), advising the Royal BC Museum’s Hope Meets Action exhibition (Aug 2021-Mar 2022), and contributing to the Knowledge Network’s British Columbia: An Untold Story.
