Office of the Chief Executive

This issue of MyTTC | Weekly is dedicated to Black History Month – it provides a snapshot of the amazing ways we celebrated Black Excellence at the TTC in February. This year’s campaign theme was Building on Legacies: Celebrating Black Excellence in Toronto.

As part of our diversity and inclusion work, we have committed to building an organization that truly represents and reflects the diversity of the city we serve. This campaign is an example of ways we can work together to celebrate Black Excellence at the TTC, and reinforce our commitment to end anti-Black racism and discrimination.

Throughout the month, there were many opportunities for employees and customers to get involved and learn about the contributions of Black community members. This year, we wrapped five buses, two streetcars and several station walls with artwork designed by Black artists and youth. We also partnered with community organizations, including AstroSankofa Arts Initiatives, Blackhurst Cultural Centre and Stolen From Africa Organization, to highlight and celebrate past Black TTC employees and Black Torontonians who have helped build the vibrant city of Toronto we enjoy today.

Internally, we began the month with an inaugural opening ceremony at Leslie Barns, with performances, an exhibit by the Toronto Archives, and messages from the Mayor, Chair and TTC leadership. Throughout the month, employees created displays and held their own celebrations across the commission, and on February 24, over 170 employees joined us for our first Black History Month Celebration and Dinner.

I want to thank all the departments and employees who supported Black History Month, including TTC’s Black Transit Workers Association and Recreation Associations. You all played an essential role in bringing this campaign to life.

Our work on Black History Month is a small part of what we need to do as an organization to ensure we create real, lasting, meaningful change to make the TTC a welcoming place for customers and employees. We have done a lot of good work, but we all know there is still work to do as we continue to develop important programs, training and initiatives to address racism and discrimination. I look forward to continuing on this critical journey with you.

Richard J. Leary
​Chief Executive Officer
​March 1, 2024