The Viaducts project: Return to Hogan’s Alley brings black community history to life

Nothing about council’s decision to replace the Georgia and Dunsmuir Viaducts has excited more interest than the possibility of reclaiming the history of Vancouver’s black community, which was devastated when Hogan’s Alley, the community’s heart, was bulldozed to make way for the Viaducts.

Now the reason for that interest is made clear in a wonderful new video, which I saw in a Telus TV broadcast last night. Here the story of Hogan’s Alley, its place in the city’s history, and its enduring importance to the black community are brought to life.

The block where Hogan’s Alley stood is now covered by the east end of the Georgia Viaducts and will be available for redevelopment when the replacement project proceeds.

The acknowledgement of Hogan’s Alley and the possible revival of this centre of the black community has resonated with everyone who hears the story. It’s great to see this history brought to light as the Viaducts replacement project gathers speed.