Keynote Speaker

Join us for an evening with author Junie Désil, host Wayde Compton and music by Caleb Hart.

Junie Désil is of Haitian ancestry, born of immigrant parents on the traditional territories of the Kanien’kehá:ka on the island known as Tiohtià:ke (Montréal), and raised in Treaty 1 Territory (Winnipeg). Junie has performed at various literary events and festivals. Her work has appeared in Room Magazine, PRISM International, The Capilano Review and CV2.

A UBC alumnus, a participant in Simon Fraser University’s Writer’s Studio, and current Uvic MFA student, Junie’s debut book of poetry eat salt | gaze at the ocean (Talon Books, 2020) was short-listed for the Dorothy Livesay Poetry Prize. Her second collection allostatic load (Talon Books) came out April 2025.

Junie mentors poets at SFU's Writers' Studio and also teaches in SFU's Leadership Essentials Certificate program.

Socials: FB: Junie Désil; IG: @jooneedayzeel

Listen to a chat with the author, book reading, audience Q&A and book signing. There will be books for purchase.

Author and Keynote Speaker in 2024 Wayde Compton will be hosting the evening. Wayde co-founded the Hogan's Alley Society and Commodore Books, Western Canada’s first Black Canadian literary press. Wayde has published six books and has edited two literary anthologies.

The evening will also be filled with the beautiful, acoustic sounds of musician Caleb Hart. Over the past twelve years, Caleb has performed more than 1,200 live shows across North America and around the globe. In January 2025, Emancipation climbed to #1 and Caleb received the 2024 American Songwriter “World Song of the Year” award.

Doors: 6:30pm

Event is free (donations appreciated)

Light refreshments (dessert and drinks) provided

We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada, Province of BC and CRD Arts & Culture Support Service.

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Host or Publisher BC Black History Awareness Society