BC Black History Society Case Study

Case Study Information

1. Organisation: The BC Black History Awareness Society
2. Industry: Non-Profit / Cultural Organisation
3. Services Provided: Website Design, Membership Management, Event Page Development, Learning Center Creation, Interactive Timelines, Content Organisation, SEO Optimisation
4. Website Link: www.bcblackhistory.ca

Preface: Preserving Black History in British Columbia

The BC Black History Awareness Society (BCBHAS) was incorporated in 1994 following a Black History Month event co-hosted with the Royal BC Museum. With roots dating back to the 1970s and the Victoria Black Peoples Society (VBPS), BCBHAS continues a legacy of fostering interest in Black history and community building. Additionally, a notable achievement of VBPS was the 1978 publication of Blacks in British Columbia. This was an 11-chapter, 230+ page document compiling extensive historical references dating back to 1858.

The BC Black History Awareness Society is dedicated to advancing education and promoting diversity by researching, documenting, and sharing contributions of Black people in British Columbia. Through lectures, workshops, cultural programs, and their Learning Centre, the Society engages educators, students, and communities. By collaborating with organisations and empowering youth, BCBHAS ensures that the rich history and heritage of Black British Columbians are celebrated and recognised within Canada’s broader historical narrative.

Source: BC Black History Awareness Society – History and Purpose

Project Summary

The BC Black History Awareness Society partnered with Blue Fin Web Design to create and modernise their website. To create a comprehensive platform that supports their mission. Key features include a Learning Center, interactive timelines and quizzes, a membership management system, and a custom event page.

The BC Black History Awareness Society Website Project

Client’s Challenge:

BCBHAS required a robust, user-friendly website to effectively present their extensive historical content, manage memberships, and promote events. Whereas the previous site struggled with navigation issues and lacked tools for interactive education, event promotion, and user engagement.

Our Solution:

We designed a visually engaging and accessible website tailored to BCBHAS’s needs. In addition, the platform includes a Learning Center to showcase stories, timelines, and interactive quizzes, allowing visitors to engage deeply with the content. The membership management system was streamlined, and a custom event page was added to promote lectures, workshops, and cultural programs. Quizzes were optimised to allow users to save progress and receive certificates upon completion, further enriching the educational experience.

Key Web Design Features:

• Membership Management: Simplified applications, renewals, and submissions for a seamless experience.
• Event Page Development: A centralised hub for showcasing upcoming events with detailed information and links.
• Learning Center: A visually rich and interactive space combining stories, timelines, and quizzes.
• Interactive Timeline: A printable display of BC’s Black history milestones to engage and educate visitors.
• Optimised Quizzes: Progress-saving features with certificate issuance to enhance learning.
• Content Organisation: Tagged and ordered stories with quick navigation tools for ease of use.

Unique Website Elements:

The event page empowers the BC Black History Awareness Society to actively promote their programs and engage the community. As well as their Learning Center, which blends storytelling with interactive education. This makes the website an indispensable resource for visitors. These features align perfectly with the Society’s mission to celebrate and preserve Black history.

Results:

The redesigned website has significantly improved community participation and engagement. Event attendance has increased due to the streamlined event page, and membership applications have risen thanks to the simplified process. Educators and community members praised the Learning Center’s interactivity, while the website’s professional design and user-friendly layout have received widespread positive feedback.