Black history is an integral part of our collective history.

Every year, people across Canada participate in Black History Month events and festivities that honour the legacy of Black people in Canada and their communities.

Legacies that have helped shape the world we live in today.

In the late 1800's, Elijah McCoy, a Black Canadian-American inventor from Colchester, Ontario created a lubrication system that allowed railroad steam engines to be lubricated without stopping the train, saving time and money.

More than 150 years later, GO Trains as well as machinery in industries across the world still benefit from his innovations.

By celebrating Black History Month, we aim to continue to reflect and recognize black excellence all while creating space for equity within the organization and the broader community we serve.

This year, our Black History Month theme focuses on Black resilience, and the power of perseverance. And the tagline is defying the odds and reclaiming the narrative.

Black History Month GO Bus

As part of our Black History Month efforts, customers should keep their eyes peeled for a newly wrapped GO Bus to commemorate Black History Month.

Designed by Toronto-based artist Alexis Eke, the special edition bus will be unveiled in February and will travel across the GTHA throughout the year. Stay tuned for more details on the special GO Bus in the coming days on the Metrolinx and GO Transit social media accounts.

There will also be a pop-up shop for Black-owned small businesses that will run in the UPstairs lounge above UP Express at Union Station for the week of Feb. 12-16.

Six local black-owned small businesses will be there, selling everything from books and skincare to jewelry and baby care products. The pop-up shop will be open daily from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

We’re continuously working towards building places of belonging for employees, customers, and communities – From the moment customers enter stations or choose to ride with us, they should feel a sense of belonging. 

Commemorating Black History Month is just one of the ways we’re working to create more equitable, inclusive, and diverse communities.