Black & Immigrant Communities in Vancouver’s Hogan’s Alley

By Sean Graham

In the 1930s, Hogan’s Alley in Vancouver was home to a vibrant community, which was slowly displaced through the construction of the Dunsmuir and Georgia viaducts. This is the settling for Junie, a historical fiction that explores the complexities of community, race, sexuality, substance abuse, and, most importantly, love. Author Chelene Knight talks about the book, balancing historical accuracy with artistic licence, and some of the key themes that emerge through Junie’s story.

You can learn more about Chelene’s work at her website.

Historical Headline of the Week

Kenneth Chan, “This is the plan to rebuild Vancouver’s Hogan’s Alley for the Black community,” Daily Hive, June 15, 2020.

Sean Graham is a media historian, an Adjunct Professor at Carleton, and a contributing editor with Activehistory.ca

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