Filipino BC condemns anti-Black racism targeting performers at its Lapu Lapu block party

The show must go on.

That was the message from Filipino BC after it was made aware of racist verbal attacks targeting Black performers who are scheduled to play in the organization’s Lapu Lapu Day Block Party on Saturday.

“These incidents have caused distress and created an atmosphere of harm and exclusion,” the group said.

“We state clearly and without hesitation: we condemn these acts of anti-Black racism.”

Filipino BC says Lapu Lapu Day is meant to celebrate resistance and resilience.

“Our vision for this event intentionally includes artists from across communities of colour, including Black, queer, trans, and gender-diverse performers whose presence reflects our values of inclusion, solidarity, and joy,” it said.

“These individuals were invited with intention and care—and their presence is essential to the cultural and political spirit of this day.”

In a news release, the organization said it was deeply troubled by explicit anti-Black remarks.

“These were not simply expressions of discomfort—they were targeted attacks that sought to devalue and erase Black presence in a community space,” it said. “While some of this rhetoric may have come from individuals outside the Filipino community, we recognize the long-standing and pervasive presence of anti-Blackness within Asian communities, including our own.

“We must be accountable for addressing that history and its ongoing impacts.”

Filipino BC collaborated with Hogan’s Alley Society — a non-profit group that works to highlight the presence of Black history in Vancouver and B.C. — to help shape the event.

The Lapu Lapu Day ’25 Block Party runs from 11 a.m. until 8 p.m. Saturday in Vancouver’s Sunset on Fraser neighbourhood.