TTC marks Black History Month by honouring community voices, heritage, and culture
This year, the TTC is celebrating seven trailblazers, cultural hubs and movements that have shaped Toronto’s Black history and identity across justice, the arts, and immigration: Weyni Mengesha, Little Jamaica, Wendy Jones and Pan Fantasy, First Baptist Church, Dudley Laws, Contrast newspaper, and the 1955-1967 West Indian Domestic Scheme.
The TTC launched its annual Black History Month celebrations at a special event held on February 2 at the Mount Dennis Bus Garage. TTC Chair Jamaal Myers joined TTC employees and community partners to unveil artwork honouring these Black community leaders and historic spaces. The works are being featured on specially wrapped buses, as well as on murals and digital screens in select stations throughout February.
The photographs, captured by Toronto‑based Black photographers and TTC employee, Operations Supervisor Neal Edwards, were selected in partnership with the Blackhurst Cultural Centre.
“Each February, we pause to celebrate the powerful impact of Black trailblazers, spaces and movements who have helped build our city,” said Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow. “As we honour their impact, traditions and culture, we acknowledge the need for continued work to end anti‑Black racism and discrimination. As the most diverse city in the world, we celebrate Black Torontonians for their influence and remain committed to building a Toronto where everyone is included and every story can be heard.”
“Sharing stories of Black Torontonians and TTC employees helps honour their meaningful contributions to Toronto’s growth and development. We recognize their role in making Toronto more welcoming for all,” said TTC Chair Jamaal Myers. “On behalf of the TTC Board, thanks to Blackhurst Cultural Centre and the contributing Black photographers whose creativity have enriched this year’s celebration.”
“The TTC is proud to celebrate and honour Black Torontonians for the ways they have shaped our community,” said TTC CEO Mandeep Lali. “Our transit system not only moves people but carries the stories that drive this city. Through this campaign, we are celebrating their resilience and excellence. We encourage everyone to explore these inspiring featured works and learn more about the Black changemakers who move Toronto.”
Black History Month Honourees
Weyni Mengesha is an award‑winning director and theatre arts leader whose work has helped redefine contemporary Canadian theatre. She has championed diverse storytelling throughout her career, with productions that explore themes of identity, community, and justice. Her influence extends well beyond Canada, with directing credits in major cultural centres such as London and New York.
Little Jamaica stands as one of Toronto’s most culturally significant neighbourhoods, long recognized as a hub of Caribbean entrepreneurship, music, and community life. From the rise of reggae music to generations of Black‑owned businesses, the area has stood as a cornerstone of Black life in Toronto for more than half a century.
Wendy Jones, co-founder of the Pan Fantasy Steelband, is a celebrated musician and one of Canada’s most recognized steelpan ambassadors. Her leadership has helped preserve and elevate the steelpan tradition; a cultural art form rooted in Trinidad and Tobago. Through decades of performance and mentorship, Jones has inspired countless young musicians and strengthened the presence of Caribbean music across Toronto.
Founded in 1826 by Elder Washington Christian and a group of runaway enslaved people, First Baptist Church is Toronto’s first Black church and a historic centre for worship and social support. First Baptist has played a vital role in welcoming newcomers and advocating for civil rights. Its legacy reflects generations of Black resilience, faith, and community building.
Dudley Laws, a prominent civil rights advocate, helped bring national attention to issues of racial profiling and discrimination in policing. As a co-founder of the Black Action Defence Committee, he worked tirelessly to advance equity and accountability within Canadian institutions like the then Toronto Metropolitan Police. His legacy continues to inspire human rights work across the country.
Known as “the eyes, ears and voice of the Black community”, Contrast Newspaper served as a vital covered politics, culture and international affairs from the 1960s onward. The paper provided representation and perspective at a time when mainstream media rarely reflected Black experiences.
The West Indian Domestic Scheme opened pathways for 3,000 Caribbean women to come to Canada between the 1950s and the 1970s. Participants were required to work as domestic labourers for a year before gaining permanent residency, often facing difficult conditions, including low wages and racial discrimination. Despite these barriers, the women built new lives, sponsored their families, and contributed to Canada’s economic fabric.
Further information about this year’s honorees and the artists is available at www.ttc.ca. Internally, the TTC will be observing Black History Month by spotlighting the stories of Black employees, as well as through bus tours and digital content.
This initiative supports the TTC’s Anti-Racism Strategy, which focuses on eradicating all forms of racism across the organization, including anti-Black racism, anti-Indigenous racism, Islamophobia, antisemitism, and all forms of discrimination against racialized communities. The Strategy aligns with key City of Toronto commitments, including the Toronto Action Plan to confront Anti-Black Racism and the Reconciliation Action Plan. It also supports the TTC’s 2024-2028 Corporate Plan to build a more inclusive transit system.