Black History Month: Celebrating excellence in the Black legal profession

Every February, people across Canada participate in Black History Month events and initiatives that honour the legacy of Black people in Canada and their communities. The theme for this year’s Black History Month is “Black Legacy and Leadership: Celebrating Canadian History and Uplifting Future Generations.” 

In this month’s episode of LawCast BC, we invited Cecilia Barnes, president of the Canadian Association of Black Lawyers (CABL) BC Chapter, to speak about how she chose a career in law, her personal stories of growing up as a Black student and practising as a Black lawyer, the work of the CABL and how it has made a difference in her life, as well as her advice for young lawyers entering the profession.

Barnes is a commercial lawyer at Lawson Lundell, specializing in Technology Law and Privacy within the Corporate Commercial Group. Her expertise lies in delivering business-centric legal advice to technology companies and identifying solutions and mitigating risks. She advises a broad range of clients in the technology sector, including early-stage companies, growth-stage companies, entrepreneurs and investors.

The Canadian Association of Black Lawyers (CABL) was formed in March 1996, with a mission to uplift and celebrate the achievements of Black professionals within the legal field by offering its members access to job opportunities, mentorship, and professional growth opportunities. If you are interested in getting involved with CABL, visit their website to learn about its events and initiatives and the benefits of joining the association.

Resources for Black History Month

Visit the following educational resources to learn more about the history of Black communities in Canada.

• Find out how you can support and get involved with the Canadian Association of Black Lawyers (CABL).
• Explore City of Vancouver’s Black History Month events and learn about Black history in Vancouver. Check your local municipality’s website to see how they are marking Black History Month. 
• See Vancouver Public Library’s resources for adults, kids and teens, including a reading list and digital library on Black History Month. Visit your local library for book recommendations for Black History Month.
• The British Columbia Black History Awareness Society (BCBHAS) celebrates the achievements of Black people in British Columbia. Be sure to check their event listings for this year’s Black History Month.
• The UBC Black Caucus is an independent organization at the University of British Columbia that brings together Black students, staff, and faculty from across UBC’s campuses. Their website also offers a list of resources for the Black community and beyond. 
• The Royal BC Museum is holding two events for Black History Month: BC Black History and Heritage Day and a Black History Month Fashion Show
• Black Women Connect Vancouver inspires, empowers and supports black women living throughout the lower mainland, by hosting events and providing resources for teens and moms. 
• LifeSpeak has a variety of exper