#Canada #Royal Canadian Mint #Ottawa #Black History #Hogan's Alley

Royal Canadian Mint Commemorates Hogan's Alley

As the nation prepares to celebrate Black History Month, the Royal Canadian Mint has announced a special edition silver coin dedicated to Hogan's Alley, a vibrant Black community that flourished in Vancouver until the early 1970s. This significant release will be available starting February 4, 2025.

Hogan's Alley was established in the late 19th century, with Black settlers arriving in Vancouver as early as 1858. Over the years, it became home to numerous families and entrepreneurs, who established businesses ranging from restaurants to entertainment venues. Tragically, due to discriminatory urban planning policies, Hogan's Alley was dismantled to make way for a road viaduct, erasing a key part of the city’s cultural landscape.

In an effort to honor this lost community, the Mint's 2025 Fine Silver Commemorating Black History coin will pay tribute to the enduring spirit of Hogan's Alley. According to Djaka Blais, the Executive Director of the Hogan's Alley Society, this initiative is crucial as the community works towards revitalizing the historical significance of Black culture in Vancouver. Blais stated, "This commemorative coin is a meaningful acknowledgment of the history and spirit of Hogan's Alley, encouraging further efforts to honor and restore the legacy of this vibrant community."

Marie Lemay, President and CEO of the Royal Canadian Mint, emphasized the importance of minting coins that reflect the diverse heritage of Canada. She noted, "We are proud to continue supporting the national celebrations of Black History Month with coins that highlight fascinating chapters of Black Canadian history."

The coin features artwork by Kwame Delfish, capturing the essence of Hogan's Alley through a rich collage on its reverse side. Central to the design is the provincial flower of British Columbia, the Pacific Dogwood, surrounded by symbolic representations of the community, including a female cook, a Black Pullman porter, a gospel choir, and musicians who embodied the thriving cultural scene of local nightclubs and establishments.

The obverse side showcases an image of His Majesty King Charles III, crafted by Canadian artist Steven Rosati, alongside a maple leaf pattern, a symbol of Canada.

Delfish expressed the significance of his work, stating, "This coin is a tribute to the vibrant community of Hogan's Alley. The discrimination faced within the housing market played a crucial role in the settlement of Black Canadians in this neighborhood, but that is only a part of the story. As an Afro-Caribbean designer, it was important for me to anchor this piece in the rich culture and entrepreneurial spirit of this resilient community."

He further remarked on Hogan's Alley as a cultural hub that encompassed music, art, and activism, which fostered a sense of identity and belonging among its residents. Although Hogan's Alley was short-lived, Delfish believes it deserves celebration as part of Canadian history, hoping to encapsulate the essence of this remarkable community while reinforcing the narrative of Black settlement in Canada.

The limited edition 2025 $ Fine Silver Coin, honoring the Black history of Hogan's Alley, is available for purchase at $119.95. Collectors can acquire the coin through the Mint by calling 1-800-267-1871 in Canada, 1-800-268-6468 in the United States, or visiting www.mint.ca. Additionally, it will be available at the Royal Canadian Mint boutiques in Ottawa and Winnipeg, participating Canadian post offices, and through Mint’s global sales network.

For images and further representations of this coin, please refer to the Mint's official media resources. The Royal Canadian Mint has consistently aimed to create coins that reflect the diversity and richness of Canada’s heritage. As a government entity, it is not only known for manufacturing and releasing Canadian currencies but also for producing award-winning collectibles and leading bullion coins. Committed to promoting environmental sustainability and creating a positive impact within the communities it serves, the Mint integrates aspects of environmental, social, and governance strategies into all operational areas.

For more details on the Mint, its products, and services, visit www.mint.ca. To keep updated, follow the Royal Canadian Mint on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram.