Honoring the Past, Empowering the Present, and Envisioning the Future

By Gabriel Meissner
Gabriel is a community journalist with Focus Media Arts Centre

This February, TTC employees came together to host a powerful Black History Month celebration, honoring the rich history, culture, and contributions of Black Canadians. The event, held at Sherbourne Station, was a vibrant and moving tribute, bringing together music, poetry, art, and community voices to acknowledge the past, celebrate the present, and inspire the future.

A Celebration Rooted in History and Culture

The event opened with an African ancestral acknowledgment, paying tribute to those who came before and paved the way for progress. This was followed by a captivating poetry reading by J. Nichole Noel, whose words resonated deeply with attendees, exploring themes of resilience, identity, and Black excellence.

ATU 113 President Marvin Alfred then took the stage, delivering a passionate speech about the importance of recognizing Black leadership, labor contributions, and the fight for equity in Toronto’s transit system and beyond. His words highlighted the ongoing struggles and triumphs of Black transit workers, reinforcing the importance of collective action and advocacy.

The performances that followed electrified the audience, weaving together rhythm, movement, and song. A drumming procession set the tone, filling the space with powerful beats that echoed the heartbeat of the African diaspora. One of the most stirring moments was a solo performance of “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” often referred to as the Black National Anthem, delivered with deep emotion and reverence. The T7 Brass Circle capped off the celebration with a dynamic, high-energy performance that had the crowd engaged and uplifted.

Honoring a Regent Park Leader: Adonis Huggins

One of the event’s most special moments was the recognition of Adonis Huggins, Executive Director of FOCUS Media Arts Centre, for his tireless work empowering Regent Park youth through media, storytelling, and community engagement.

Huggins has been a guiding force for young people in Regent Park, using media as a tool for change, representation, and empowerment. His work has not only provided youth with technical skills and creative outlets but has also fostered a sense of belonging and pride in their identities and stories.

To honor his incredible contributions, Toronto artist AstroSankofa created a striking mural at Sherbourne Station featuring Huggins, commemorating his role in uplifting and amplifying Black voices. The mural, rich with symbolism and bold imagery, serves as both a tribute and a reminder of the power of community-driven media.

Adding to this recognition, the TTC painted his image on a bus, making his presence visible across the city as a symbol of Black leadership and innovation. The artwork’s unique design—depicting Huggins in traditional African attire with a futuristic cyborg eye—is a powerful representation of the intersection of heritage and progress. It sends a clear message: Black Canadians are not only part of history but are shaping the future as well.

Art, Music, and Storytelling as Vehicles for Change

The TTC’s Black History Month celebration went beyond commemoration—it was an act of storytelling and cultural preservation. The event demonstrated how art, music, and spoken word can serve as powerful vehicles for change, fostering unity, awareness, and action.

Through the performances, speeches, and artistic tributes, the event highlighted the importance of representation in public spaces. It reinforced the idea that Black stories must be seen, heard, and celebrated year-round, not just in February.

Looking to the Future

As Toronto continues to grow and evolve, events like these serve as important reminders that history is still being written, and that Black voices must remain at the forefront of shaping our communities. The TTC’s Black History Month celebration wasn’t just a look back at the past—it was a call to action for a more inclusive, equitable, and culturally rich future.