By Kojo
Russell-Rawlins, Louis March and Dr. Akua Benjamin
The Toronto Transit Fee (TTC) has formally launched its 2025 Black Historical past Month marketing campaign, celebrating the contributions of Black Torontonians who’ve performed pivotal roles in creating a way of belonging, security, and unity inside the metropolis. This yr’s theme emphasizes collaboration and visibility, guaranteeing that Black historical past and tradition stay on the forefront of public consciousness past the month of February.
The marketing campaign options putting public paintings on choose TTC automobiles and stations, highlighting six honorees whose contributions span social justice, immigrant advocacy, neighborhood security, and public service. Amongst these acknowledged are Dr. Akua Benjamin for her work in social justice, Debbie Douglas for her advocacy on behalf of immigrants and refugees, and Colleen Russell-Rawlins for her efforts in schooling and fairness. Angela Robertson and Adonis Higgins are honoured for his or her dedication to neighborhood growth, whereas the late Louis March is remembered for his activism towards gun violence.
TTC Chair Jamaal Myers, who presided over the occasion, expressed pleasure within the TTC’s ongoing dedication to range and inclusion. “As we have fun Black excellence in Toronto, we acknowledge that Black Historical past Month can also be a time for private reflection,” Myers stated. He recalled his personal expertise working in a single day shifts on the TTC’s Greenwood Yard to pay for college, crediting the transit system with instructing him professionalism and the significance of excellent union jobs. He additionally mirrored on the legacy of Frederick Langdon Hubbard, the primary Black TTC Chair, who held the function from 1929 to 1930 and performed a major function in shaping public transit in Toronto.
“We’ve come a good distance in 95 years, however there’s nonetheless rather more to do,” Myers added, emphasizing the TTC’s efforts to construct a system that displays and celebrates the town’s range. He acknowledged the rising presence of Black management inside the TTC’s unions and govt groups, noting the latest appointment of two new Black govt board members.
Marvin Alfred, the primary Black president of the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Native 113, additionally addressed the viewers, highlighting the significance of sustainable efforts to interrupt down limitations for Black professionals. “Recognition of Black historical past shouldn’t be for a second—it needs to be a dedication,” he said. Alfred additionally spoke about his latest attendance at a TTC govt commencement ceremony, the place leaders accomplished superior inclusive management coaching. “Listening to their testimonies about how this coaching developed their considering was inspiring. We should proceed this work, regardless of efforts elsewhere to roll again progress,” he stated, making a delicate reference to political shifts south of the border.
A strong inventive presence marked the occasion, with Black artists taking part in a major function within the marketing campaign’s visible storytelling. Jamira, one of many lead artists, spoke in regards to the significance of illustration in public areas. “Showcasing Black artistry inside our transit system is extra than simply illustration—it’s affirmation. It tells everybody who sees it that Black tales should be honored and remembered,” she stated.
The marketing campaign’s slogan, impressed by the Sankofa precept – “projection with out limits, remembering with out forgetting”- underscored the occasion’s mission to honor the previous whereas shaping the long run. The paintings was created in collaboration with each established and rising Black artists.
The celebration ended on a excessive be aware, with a catered reception by the Nutmeg Restaurant.
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LJI Reporter
