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The Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) in collaboration with AstroSankofa Arts Initiative celebrates Black History Month this year by featuring an exciting series of brilliantly illustrated portraits of prominent Black community leaders under the theme, “A City of Belonging”.
Toronto has a long-standing and well-recognized Black community that goes back to the early beginnings of the city.
Many Black Torontonians have played a pivotal role in building the community and creating a sense of belonging, safety and unity. They’ve been instrumental in shaping the city as a welcoming and inclusive space for all. The TTC celebrates their contributions and continues to help advance equity and inclusion for the benefit of its riders, employees and fellow residents.
Black leaders have made significant contributions across politics, education, healthcare, immigrant support, social justice and public safety, many of which are deeply connected to the TTC’s role as a public transit provider. One such leader is one of this year’s honorees, Colleen Russell-Rawlins, whose work in education has created greater access and opportunities for Black students, including through the Centre of Excellence for Black Student Achievement at the TDSB.
As the TTC continues to foster a more inclusive and accessible transit system, its collaboration with organizations like the TDSB helps ensure that young people and communities across Toronto feel a sense of belonging connection and opportunity.
Every year the TTC honours some of those who have made exceptional contributions to the city from the Black community. They were chosen in concert with TTC employees along with Black community members and leaders.
This year’s portrait series by highly talented artists who were commissioned by the TTC to celebrate the honourees will be featured in a variety of TTC and other media as well as on six full TTC bus wraps.
Dr. Akua Benjamin, Professor Emeritus, is a social justice activist who coined the term ‘anti-Black racism’ to highlight systemic discrimination in Canada.
Her portrait is by Shannia Lewis.
Debbie Douglas whose portrait is by Jamera DaCosta, is a prominent advocate for immigrant and refugee rights in Canada. She serves as the Executive Director of the Ontario Council of Agencies Serving Immigrants (OCASI), where she has led initiatives focused on improving services and policies for immigrants and refugees, as well as promoting equity and social justice.
Douglas is well-regarded for her work in advancing anti-racism and social inclusion efforts across Ontario, making significant impacts in the non-profit and advocacy sectors.
Adonis Huggins is the Executive Director and Artistic Director of Regent Park Focus (now the FOCUS Media Arts Centre) in Toronto. Since 1991, he has worked extensively with marginalized youth in the Regent Park community, using media arts to foster engagement and provide a platform for underrepresented voices.
His portrait is by Jason O’brien.
Louis March was a dedicated community leader and the founder of the Zero Gun Violence Movement in Toronto. With over 20 years of experience, he worked tirelessly to address the root causes of gun violence, advocate for systemic equity, and create safer spaces for marginalized youth. Elder March collaborated with local organizations, schools and law enforcement to build partnerships and develop programs offering alternatives to violence.
A passionate mentor and speaker, he supported families impacted by gun violence and inspired change. Widely recognized for his efforts, he left a lasting legacy in the fight against gun violence in Toronto. His portrait is by Ugonna Ikechi & Quentin VerCetty.
Angela Robertson is a respected activist dedicated to supporting Black, women’s, and LGBTQ+ communities. As the Executive Director of Parkdale Queen West Community Health Centre, she leads initiatives that enables access to care for marginalized groups.
Angela’s advocacy extends to media and literature, having been an editorial member of Our Lives, Canada’s first Black Women’s newspaper, produced by The Black Women’s Collective, and co-editor of Scratching the Surface: Canadian Anti-Racist Feminist Thought. Her feminist activism helped mobilize campaigns for social justice on issues such as violence against women, rights for racialized workers, racism, harm reduction, police violence and reproductive choice.
Her portrait is by Jasana Alleyne.
Colleen Russell-Rawlins is the former Director of the Toronto District School Board (TDSB) and Peel District School Board (PDSB). Her notable accomplishments include creating the Centre of Excellence for Black Student Achievement at TDSB, developing leaders and advancing equity by expanding policies, early reading interventions and access to programs for students.
Inspired by students, she remains dedicated to transforming communities and empowering individuals. With a steadfast commitment to leadership and education, she continues to inspire positive change and shape a brighter future for all.
Her portrait is by Boloebi Charles Okah.
Director of AstroSankofa, Quentin VerCetty describes the artwork as “storytelling that reclaims our past, empowers our present and shapes a limitless future for a better, brighter Toronto.”
