Crossing Fonds

Utilizing the archives of the City of Vancouver, VIVO, and several personal archives, Case study three seeks to document and commemorate histories of Black people’s participation in the labour force in the Greater Vancouver Area in the early to mid twentieth century. The study focuses on what is present in the archives and aims to fill some of the existing gaps pertaining to Black livingness (McKittrick,2021). The following questions guide the research activities: (a) How are Black communities formed and sustained in relation to access to the labour force; (b) How is Black people’s engagement in the labour force documented and represented in the official archive; and (c) who collects and describes the materials in the archives. 

The item-sets that constitute Case Study 3 are organized under the broad thematic of ‘labour’ along with sub-categories of ‘entertainment’ and ‘advocacy. For example, a process of data collection and analysis was undertaken to ascertain biographical information about members of the Black community of Hogan’s Alley. For instance, in the exploration of the Carter Family’s history, the method employed involved examining various primary secondary sources, including photographs, newspaper clippings, and vital records. By synthesizing these materials, a provisional family tree was constructed, shedding light on its members’ lives, residences, and occupations. Additionally, narrative, and creative interpretation are incorporated as integral components of the findings, allowing for a nuanced understanding of Black experiences in the region.