Little Burgundy, Montreal's 'Harlem of the North' was once home to a thriving Black community
Now new generations are reclaiming the rich history left behind
Once known as "Harlem of the North," Little Burgundy in Montreal was a destination for Afro-descendants from the United States, West Indies and other areas of Canada.
Its proximity to two railway stations attracted Black men who worked as train porters when it was the best of the low-paying jobs available to them. That history gave birth to a unique Black community along with a vibrant Canadian jazz scene and thriving Black institutions which continued to thrive until the community was torn about in the name of urban renewal beginning in the mid-1960s.
Watch this video to discover Little Burgundy's legacy of perseverance and how new generations are reclaiming the rich history left behind.
Watch Dear Jackie on CBC Gem.
For more stories about the experiences of Black Canadians — from anti-Black racism to success stories within the Black community — check out Being Black in Canada, a CBC project Black Canadians can be proud of. You can read more stories here.
Credits:
SCREENWRITER | DAVID ENG
VIDEO EDITOR - ALINE-SITOÉ N'DIAYE
DIGITAL MEDIA PRODUCER | KATHY SPERBERG
