Connecting Communities & Celebrating Diversity: GO Transit Celebrates Black History Month 2024
Published: Jan 31, 2024
Updated: Jan 31, 2024
In February, as we embrace the diversity of Canada, GO Transit joins Metrolinx in celebrating Black History Month – a time to reflect on the contributions, achievements, and resilience of Black communities throughout the years. Here at GO Transit, we’re all about connecting communities, and we’re proud to connect the diverse regions across the Greater Golden Horseshoe.
Black History Month isn’t just a calendar event; it’s a time to spotlight and amplify the voices of Black communities. This year, we’re celebrating with a wrapped double-decker GO bus designed by an ACB Toronto-based artist, an UP Express pop-up shop at UPStairs at Union Station and internal employee spotlights. Keep an eye out on our social media throughout the month of February to hear from Metrolinx employee Abby Anderson!
UP Express Pop-Up Shop
UP Express is excited to host a pop-up shop featuring black-owned small businesses. From unique jewelry, books to soaps, there’s sure to be something for everyone. However, it’s not all about the products; the pop-up is a celebration of the resilience and innovation of black-owned businesses. As you hustle and bustle through Union Station during the week of Monday February 12 to Friday February 16, be sure to take a break and join us to celebrate!
- Date: February 12 – 16
- Time: 11am – 7pm
- Location: UPstairs Lounge at UP Union Station 2nd floor
Black-owned Businesses at UP Express Pop-Up Shop
Monoxide
Monoxide is much more than a jewelry company. Launched in the summer of 2012, it all started with a broken piece of jewelry from the designer and founder, Tyler Ferguson. At first, she reimagined vintage pieces into modern treasures, but as the demand grew, the collections begun. To this day, each sample piece is constructed by hand before it goes into production. Monoxide offers handcrafted unique jewelry pieces for both women and men.
Blair & Jack
Say goodbye to razor bumps and irritation with Blair & Jack! Their physician-backed, science-driven skincare for men delivers smoother, healthier skin with less redness and inflammation. The expertly formulated skincare range is a simple and effective routine that includes a Refreshing Cleanser, an Anti-Bump Treatment, an Exfoliating Treatment, and an Ultra-Hydrating Moisturizer. With affordable prices ranging from $29-$45 CAD, now is the time to level-up your skincare routine!
PleaseNotes
“What if I could surround myself with affirmations?” PleaseNotes is based on this one simple question. Starting out with sticky notes with affirmations, founder, Cheryl has expanded with bringing affirmations into everyday life with journals, planners, notebooks, pens and sticky notes, affirmation cards, mirror decals, water bottle labels and enamel pins. If you’re struggling with burnout, feeling stuck, unsure of yourself and next steps, Please Notes is here to help you move from confusion to clarity.
Sea Moss N Tingz
Sea Moss N Tingz is passionate about bringing the highest quality sea moss products to elevate your wellness journey. With a mission to provide you with the purest and most potent sea moss sourced from the ocean, they take great pride in their commitment to sustainability. Offering a wide variety of sea moss products from sea moss gel, soap, or gummies. Sea Moss N Tingz is dedicated to their customers well-being!
Trippin' Along
Beginning from seeing a gap in the market as a mom of multiples Trippin’ Along was built to help parents of multiples and singletons gain access to affordable and high-quality products with their new normal. They offer a wide variety of baby products for baby led weaning and teething. You can find Bamboo plates, utensils, snack cups and much more. All products have been triplet tested by the founders’ own children!
Nile Valley Books
As a mainstay in the Toronto literary scene and present at cultural events around the city, Nile Valley Books has been serving the community since 1999. Owner, Nohsakhere, is dedicated to ensuring children have access to books and literature that accurately reflect their authentic and proud histories. Nile Valley Books is an independent African Canadian owned bookstore that specializes in diverse Afrocentric and multicultural literature, resources and culturally themed products and gifts.
Getting to Union Station with GO
If you're coming downtown during the week of February 12-16, or planning a special trip to support the pop-up, GO can get you there! Union Station is the central rail hub and easily accessible from our GO train and bus lines. Start planning your trip today!
Additionally, don’t miss out on our Weekday Group Passes. Whether you’re gathering your friends for a day out, or taking your family to see the sights, a GO Weekday Group Pass is the perfect way to have a fun and relaxing trip together. We offer 4 flat-fare options for our Weekday Group Passes, starting at $30 for two people. With a weekday pass, you’ll know exactly how much you’re spending on travel, no matter how many stops you make along the way. Please note, passes can only be purchased online so be sure to grab them before your trip.
GO Transit’s Ongoing Commitment
Our commitment to diversity and inclusion isn’t just a one-month gig. It’s a constant journey that GO Transit is committed to everyday. A major part of this journey is making transit accessible to everyone, made possible with our extensive network and our affordable fare options. We’re not just about getting you from point A to B, we’re about forging connections, embracing stories, and ensuring everyone feels safe on their trip. We’re committed to listening, learning, and looking for more ways to reach this destination together.
Land Acknowledgement
Metrolinx acknowledges that it operates on lands that have been, and continue to be, home to many Indigenous Peoples including the Anishnabeg, the Haudenosaunee and the Huron-Wendat peoples. We are all Treaty people. Many of us have come here as settlers, as immigrants or involuntarily as part of the trans-Atlantic slave trade, in this generation, or generations past. We acknowledge the historic and continued impacts of colonization and the need to work towards meaningful reconciliation with the original caretakers of this land. We acknowledge that Metrolinx operates on territories and lands covered by many treaties that affirm and value the rights of Indigenous communities, Nations and Peoples. We understand the importance of working towards reconciliation with the original caretakers of this land. At Metrolinx, we will conduct business in a manner that is built on a foundation of trust, respect and collaboration.