SPRUCE GROVE, Alta. - Feb. 21, 2026 - Residents from across the Tri-Municipal region gathered in Spruce Grove this month for Candlelight Stories, a Black History Month community celebration that brought together community leaders, artists and families from Spruce Grove, Stony Plain and Parkland County to reflect on Black heritage through storytelling, performance and visual art.
Organized by Africentric Arts and B.L.A.C.K.S Parkland, the first-ever Candlelight Stories featured candlelight readings of Black Canadian stories presented by children and youth, spoken word poetry, live music, cultural drumming and dance, and a community fashion showcase. The evening also included curated displays of historical narratives, original paintings and archival photography highlighting Black Canadian experiences.
The evening was attended by municipal and provincial leaders, including Spruce Grove Mayor Jeff Acker and Stony Plain Councillor Eric Meyer. David Shepherd, MLA for Edmonton-City Centre, delivered keynote remarks on the role of storytelling in preserving community history and fostering cross-cultural understanding. Lorne Dach, MLA for Edmonton-McClung, was also in attendance.
Representatives from the education, settlement and nonprofit sectors across the Tri-Municipal region and the greater Edmonton area joined local faith leaders and business partners in support of the event, highlighting regional collaboration in advancing inclusive community programming.
“Candlelight Stories signals that the Tri-Municipal region is part of a broader movement to recognize, preserve and celebrate Black Canadian history at the community level,” said Francess Cowan, Executive Director of Africentric Arts. “The level of participation reflects a growing interest in creating spaces for learning, connection and recognition within our communities.”
Candlelight Stories was supported by community partners including the City of Spruce Grove Community Development department, the Town of Stony Plain and local small business sponsors.
Media Assets
High-resolution event photos are available for editorial use at the following link:
Photo Gallery: Black History Month
Photo credit: Africentric Arts. Usage permitted for media coverage of Candlelight Stories with attribution.
About Africentric Arts
Africentric Arts is a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering children and youth through arts, wellness, and leadership programs rooted in African culture. The organization delivers year-round initiatives across the Tri-Municipal region and Edmonton with programs that build confidence, creativity, and cultural pride while fostering community connection.
About B.L.A.C.K.S. Parkland
Black Heritage & Cultural Kindship Society-Parkland (B.L.A.C.K.S. Parkland) is a community organization dedicated to celebrating and advancing understanding of Black history, heritage, and contributions in the Parkland region. The group also focuses on building connections, fostering cultural pride, and supporting community growth.
Media Contact:
Francess Cowan
Executive Director, Africentric Arts
africentricarts@gmail.com
780-716-9386