The Art that Moves Us: Amplifying the work of talented Black creatives during Black History Month
Photo of the Hot Chocolate Box Set by One More Cocoa
This year, our Black History Month projects showcased our team’s deep appreciation for the artistry of Black creatives in the GTA. We were honoured to be selected as the media and communications partner for two public art projects: AstroSankofa’s City of Belonging: Celebrating Toronto’s Black Community Builders and ReiCreations Art’s Free to Just Be. These mobile murals — celebrating Black culture, community and leadership — were a stunning visual reminder of the exceptional artistic talent being nurtured in our province.
City of Belonging: Celebrating Toronto’s Black Community Builders
AstroSankofa Arts Initiative collaborated with the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) for the third consecutive year to create bus wraps honouring six Black Torontonians whose contributions have created a sense of belonging, safety and unity in the city. The portraits, created by six Toronto-based Black artists, were prominently displayed on TTC buses and in select stations throughout February.
The honourees include influential figures such as DM&C client Colleen Russell-Rawlins, known for fostering inclusion, equity and academic excellence as the former Director of Education of the Toronto District School Board (TDSB). Other artistic profiles included Debbie Douglas, Executive Director of the Ontario Council of Agencies Serving Immigrants and the late Louis March, a community leader who founded the Zero Gun Violence Movement. Each honouree was celebrated through powerful, thought-provoking portraits created by seven local artists, reflecting their impact on Toronto’s Black community. Community tours helped support further engagement for those wanting to learn more about the artists, the artwork or the honourees.
“This campaign serves as a portal: shining a light on Afrofuturistic storytelling that reclaims our past, empowers our present, and shapes a limitless future for a better, brighter Toronto,” said AstroSankofa Director, Quentin VerCetty.
AstroSankofa artists celebrate at the launch event at TTC’s McNicolls Garage on February 3, 2025. From left to right: Jason O’Brien (@jason_obrien_gallery_live), Ugonna Ikechi (@viagunna), Jamera DaCosta (@justj.art), Shannia Lewis (@Shannia.Jpeg), Boloebi Charles Okah (@the_flying_bushman), Quentin VerCetty (@keepgrowingq). Not pictured here, Jasana Alleyne (@Jazzy_Jasana).
Media Coverage
CBC Here and Now
Caribbean Camera
Toronto Caribbean
Afrotoronto
Free to Just Be
In a neighbouring region east of Toronto, Dominican-Canadian artist Reisha Felix was thrilled to have her artwork recognized and celebrated as part of the Regional Municipality of Durham’s Black History Month campaign. Her piece, Free to Just Be, was prominently displayed on a Durham Region Transit bus throughout February. Bold and deeply symbolic, the artwork celebrates Black hairstyles as a fundamental element of Black culture, showcasing them as symbols of resistance and resilience.
DM&C was engaged to support awareness of Reisha’s work. She aims to reshape the narrative around Black beauty and cultural identity through her unique technique of using acrylic paint and hot glue to create textured hair effects in her portrait pieces. The background for Free to Just Be features intricate textile patterns reflecting African roots, and a madras pattern and hibiscus to honour Reisha’s Dominican heritage and Creole culture. This project is Reisha’s first major public art display in Canada and her first collaboration with a municipality.
Image of Reisha Felix
“I am incredibly honoured that my artwork has been selected for the Region of Durham’s Black History Month campaign,” said Reisha Felix. “As a Black woman, having my art displayed on such a prominent platform signifies that we are being seen, heard and appreciated.”
Media Coverage
CTV News
Caribbean Camera
Dominica News Online
Why amplifying Black creatives matters
Representation in public art is about more than just visibility — it is about storytelling, empowerment and community-building. These projects not only celebrate individual artists, but also reinforce the importance of Black voices in shaping our cultural narrative.
At DM&C, we recognize that communications play a crucial role in ensuring that these powerful artistic expressions reach wider audiences. Our commitment to amplifying Black creatives is rooted in a belief that their work enriches the fabric of our communities and contributes to a more inclusive artistic landscape.
These projects serve as a reminder that Black creativity is essential, valuable and worthy of being showcased in the most visible spaces in our cities.
By collaborating with AstroSankofa and ReiCreations Art, we’re thrilled to be helping to ensure that the stories and triumphs of Black artists are not just told, but also celebrated. As we continue this work, we invite organizations, artists and cultural institutions to join us in uplifting Black artistry — not only during Black History Month, but all year round.
For more information on these initiatives, visit ttc.ca and yourvoice.durham.ca.
