Adwa Walk

Commemoration of the 129th Anniversary of the Victory of Adwa and Black History Walk

The 129th Anniversary of the Victory of Adwa was successfully commemorated on March 1st, 2025, through the annual Black History Walk in Metro Vancouver.

The Battle of Adwa, fought in March 1896, saw Ethiopian forces led by Emperor Menelik II achieve a decisive victory over the Italian colonial power. This victory is a pivotal moment in global history, often cited as representing the beginning of the end of colonial rule across Africa, and served as a profound source of inspiration for oppressed Black communities worldwide.

This year's combined event honored this historic triumph while also paying tribute to the enduring legacy of Barbara Howard. Howard was a pioneering figure, notably the first Black woman athlete to represent Canada in an international competition and the first person from a visible minority to be hired as a teacher by the Vancouver School Board.

The Adwa Walk on March 1st, 2025, offered a vital opportunity for the community to come together, reflect on the historical significance of both the Adwa victory and the achievements of figures like Barbara Howard, and march forward toward a more inclusive future.