Toronto Transit Commission celebrates Black excellence during Black History Month

BY PAUL JUNOR

It was an enchanting and educating sight witnessing Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) subways bedecked with Black symbols in celebration of Black History Month 2024. The theme for this year’s celebration was, “Building on Legacies: Celebrating Black Excellence in Toronto.” The TTC decided to showcase the work of eight remarkable and well-known African-Canadian artists throughout the subway system. Their artistic creations highlight the contributions that important contemporary and current historical individuals have made to Canada.

Oliva Chow, Mayor of Toronto states, “Black History Month is about celebrating the invaluable contributions Black Canadians have made to our city. I commend the TTC and  Astrosankofa Arts Initiatives for showcasing the talent and creativity of local Black artists, while also acknowledging the historical significance of Black leaders in Toronto. Let us all take this opportunity to learn, appreciate, and celebrate the diversity that enriches our city.”

Jamaal Myers, Chair of the TTC states, “This Black History Month initiative serves to highlight the significance role that Black Torontonians have played in shaping our city including two former TTC employees whose dedication and trailblazing efforts paved the way for future generations of Black and racialized people to establish meaningful careers in transit.”

Myers acknowledges the role of Quentin Vercetty, “I extend my thanks to Astrosankofa Initiatives and the eight contributing Black artists, whose unique perspectives and creative talents bring an added layer of depth to this year’s celebration.”

On Saturday, February 24^th, the TTC Black History Month mural campaign was unveiled. There were eleven murals honouring Black Torontonians who have been acknowledged and recognized for their vital role in the city. The unveiling of the murals occurred in conjunction with a subway tour, which commenced at York University through to Union Station.

Itah Sadu, co-founder of A Different Booklist and Managing Director of the People Cultural Centre states, “I wish people, children in school would have read about these people today in the public discourse. We are being educated, because now we are on the walls. We are in places.”

Quentin Vercetty states, “I want people to reflect on how they can break barriers in their own lives. What are the things that they can overcome and what are some of the things that can allow them to be great in their own ways.”

Professor Carl James of York University states, “I think it is a way of publicly helping African-Canadians educate Torontonians and the world about the Black presence in Canada.”

Dr. Roberta Timothy, Assistant Professor at the Dalla School of Public Health at the University of Toronto states, “For me it is a gift to be able to do this in the community. I am so happy and thankful for the village. I am just so thankful for everybody in their life.”

The names of the outstanding Black trailblazers and where their murals are located are listed below.:

• Beverley Salmon – St Andrew Station
• Itah Sadu – Bathurst Station
• Charles Roach – St. Clair Station
• Walter Alexander Foster – Visit Blackhurst Cultural Centre, 777 Bathurst St.
• Honourable George Carter – Osgoode Hall
• Angela James – Pape Station
• Zanana Akande – Queen’s Park Subway
• Dionne Brand – Finch Station
• Roberta Timothy – St. George Subway
• Irma James – Visit African-Canadian (CAFCAN) Social Services at 995 Arrow Road
• Professor Carl James – York University Toronto

The names of the eight artists who contributed to development of murals are:

• Quentin Vercetty@keepgrowingq
• Samantha Denis@SamanthaDenniis
• Gordon Rowe @RoweArt
• Mya Sulau@Myas.Art
• Camille Lauren Gordon@SuperArtGirl
• Andrew Patterson@VisibleNoise
• Meighan Morson @Emelle_Arts
• Javita Odegus Alajome@JovitaArt