As we approach the close of another impactful year, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to our
partners, communities, contractors, the people who helped us organize, and plan, to the
incredible staff of the Great Lakes Networking Society of BC bravo. Your unwavering support
has been instrumental in achieving our mission.
Reflecting on 2024, we navigated numerous challenges, including barriers affecting the
Black/African Diaspora, underserved and interfaith minority communities, and those impacted
by systemic racism and discrimination. We as well confronted critical social issues such as
mental health struggles, drug abuse, homelessness, poverty, and housing justice. Despite these
challenges, we made significant strides in empowering our community through impactful
programming, initiatives and open conversations.
Highlights from this year include:
a. Advancing the Seniors’ Storytelling through Painting Program and the Resilience
Program to promote intergenerational connections, address isolation, offering internet
tech and workshops on Seniors’ financial abuse. Etc.
b. Support for youth with innovative solutions in skills development and crime
reduction/protection programs.
c. Hosting the annual Mashujaa Celebration and Harambeecouver Afro Folk Music
Festivals, platforms for celebrating diversity, reconciliation, and cultural expression.
d. Sparking critical dialogues, workshops, and policy discussions to mobilize meaningful
action and create lasting impact.
Looking ahead to 2025, we’re thrilled to announce an exciting lineup of events and programs,
including the Mashujaa: Black History Beyond February and the Harambeecouver Afro Folk
Music Festival, alongside two innovative proposed programs. These initiatives will promote
cultural enrichment, strengthen connections, and empower our community, creating lasting
impact through celebration, dialogue, and education.”
This structure connects your festivals and proposed programs while emphasizing the broader
goals of the initiatives.
Mashujaa: Black History Beyond February, our flagship event, kicks off on February 28th and
runs through April 25th, 2025. Similarly, the 3-day Harambeecouver Afro Folk Music Festival,
our flagship festival, will take place from August 8th to August 10th, with confirmed venues at
the North and South sides of the Vancouver Art Gallery. Stay tuned for additional venues,
including the Shipyards in North Vancouver, at www.greatlakessociety.org. Please register as
Artist, Vendor or volunteer.
We are excited to introduce two impactful initiatives in 2025. The First Effort in Peace and
Reconciliation to build relationships and bridge the historical divides through open dialogue,
workshops, cultural events, traditional African/Caribbean meals, and traditional fashion shows to
dismantle systemic hate between Vancouver Police and People of African Descent.
Additionally, we aim to launch Simple Machines for Kids, a hands-on program that engages
children in science and engineering by exploring the fundamentals of physics through simple
machines. Both initiatives aim to empower and inspire our community while promoting
understanding and innovation
We remain dedicated, recognizing and promoting the concluding 2024, UN International Decade
for People of African Descent and the Millennium Development Goals as we work toward a
stronger, more inclusive future
With deep respect and admiration,
The Great Lakes Society Volunteer Board