Chinatown is more than a neighbourhood; it’s a story of resilience. Built, erased, and rebuilt again, it stands as a testament to how communities can thrive despite oppressive systems. But not every community got the same shot.

At the next Hot Dogs and Hot Takes, sit down with community powerhouse Alice Lam to dig into the past and present of grassroots advocacy in Calgary. From the Chinese community’s survival through systemic racism and redlining, to the political roadblocks thrown up by figures like James Short, Alice is unpacking the fight to keep Chinatown alive.

Alice will also look at what Chinatown represents for other racialized communities, many of whom still face displacement, segregation, generational trauma, and a lack of access to land, funding, and support. Expect a bold, eye-opening conversation about the racist roots of Calgary’s institutions, the role of nonprofits in fighting back, and how we can carve out more autonomous, culturally vibrant spaces across the city.