THE MONTHLY GLEANER | FEBRUARY 12 - MARCH 14, 2026 | www.jamaica-gleaner.com | NEWS 2 Sophia Findlay/Gleaner Writer TORONTO: THE TORONTO Transit Commission (TTC) recently showcased the rich tapestry of black culture within its diverse community at its annual Black History Month opening ceremony. Held on Monday, February 2, at the Mount Dennis Bus Garage, the event was a collaborative effort with the Blackhurst Cultural Centre, under the resonant theme “Past, Present, Proud – Stories that Move Us.” This initiative not only celebrates the enduring influence of black voices and narratives on Toronto’s identity but also underscores the vital role of storytelling in preserving black history. The ceremony drew a diverse audience, including TTC staff, union partners, stakeholders, photographers, historians, community members, students and media. The highlight of the event was the honouring of the combined seven individuals, places and legacies that have significantly shaped Toronto. Their compelling stories are now prominently featured on bus wraps, murals, and displays across several subway stations, including Bathurst, Spadina, Kennedy, Cedarvale, Osgoode, and Finch West. Meanwhile, Toronto City Councillor Jamaal Myers, who chairs the TTC and boast Jamaican heritage, shared insights with The Gleaner during the kickoff festivities. He noted that the annual event, now in its third year, originated from the initiative of the TTC Black Transit Workers Association, a group of black employees. “It has grown,” Myers remarked, reflecting on its expansion. “It is amazing being here because I have just seen this event growing, growing and grown. And there are so many people who have made today possible, and it is just such an incredible testament to how we do diversity and inclusion at the TTC and how proud we are to celebrate Black History Month in this city,” Myers stated, emphasizing the TTC’s commitment to diversity. Dr. Itah Sadu, widely known as an award-winning author, educator, and entrepreneur is the proprietor of Toronto’s longest-running blackowned bookstore, A Different Booklist. Her influence, however, extends far beyond community building and developing. Described as a visionary and revolutionary, Sadu possesses deep knowledge of black culture in Canada’s largest city. Her leadership drives alignment and execution across complex organizational structures, establishing her as a gamechanger and thought leader. As the executive director of the Blackhurst Cultural Centre, Sadu’s passion for storytelling was instrumental in curating the Past, Present, Proud- Stories that Move Us campaign. This campaign features pivotal elements of black history and culture, Contrast newspaper, First Baptist Church, Little Jamaica, the West Indian Domestic Scheme, Pan Fantasy & Wendy Jones, and Wendy Mengesha. Through her efforts, transit spaces have been transformed into a moving gallery, with these narratives displayed across the city via bus wraps, murals, and digital posters. “I am truly excited to see the 2026 campaign with the TTC. As I look at the images and curation, I can’t help but think about the Canadian Renaissance, the Black Canadian Renaissance. I am excited to see 200 years of consistent black leadership, our economic impact in the society, black advocacy that changed human and civil rights for all Canadians, and, of course, a celebration of things past, present and in the becoming,” she stated, in an interview excitingly. “Blackhurst is pleased to collaborate with the TTC in this initiative as we depict Black history in motion,” Sadu reaffirmed. IMPACTFUL MESSAGES The vibrant and engaging event, a powerful celebration of Black pride, resonated with impactful messages delivered through songs, speeches, and the compelling visuals displayed on the buses. Toronto’s first Youth Poet Laureate, Shahaddah Jack, further elevated the atmosphere with her stirring poem, “We Move This City.” From Little Jamaica to First Baptist Church Youth keynote speaker Ayodeji Adigun, a software engineer student and photographer, gave an insightful and impactful speech. Wendy Jones (left), co-founder of the award-winning Pan Fantasy Steelpan Band and Canada’s sole female band leader stands with Dr. Itah Sadu, executive director of Blackhurst Cultural Centre. From left: TTC Board Chair Jamaal Myers, Weyni Mengesha, Wendy Jones, Charmaine Lurch, her mother Cynthia Lawson Lurch, Rev. Dr. Wendell Gibbs (behind them), Rose-Ann Bailey, Neal Edwards, Michael Chambers, Sean Harrison and Anthony Gebrehiwot. CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS Toronto’s Transit honours black legacies and Caribbean roots PLEASE SEE ROOTS, P5
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