Hogan’s Alley, also referred to as “the Harlem of the North,” was once a vibrant neighbourhood for Black families and businesses.
But the building of the Georgia Viaduct and changing zoning laws eventually pushed them out.
“What we lost with the displacement was not only the physical structures, the homes, the businesses, but also the social, political capital that the community had established,” said Djaka Blais, executive director of Hogan’s Alley Society.
Participants at Ethọ́s Lab’s annual hackathon — called Blackathon — on Friday were asked to help redevelop the neighbourhood and design a cultural hub.
“We make Black history hands-on,” said Anthonia Ogundele, the founder of the Ethọ́s Lab Education Society.
“They may not have heard about it or learned about it. Here, they can be a part of reimagining what this place could be.”
Using AI tools, teams had to come up with prompts and images — and eventually a cinematic trailer — that would attract their friends to the new venue.
“We’re envisioning a space for people to hang out and just create community, like put more feeling into things that are being built and not just making money,” said event participant Munirat Dejown.
“I feel like it’s an amazing model to plan things,” said Chibueze Benneth, another participant. “I’m a big believer in having your ideas planned before you perform them. I’m happy to be exposed to this. This is my first time using Google Veo.”
Organizers hope that young people can feel involved and inspired as the City of Vancouver and Hogan’s Alley Society seek to restore what was once lost.