In celebration and recognition of Canada’s Black History Month, public transit systems across Ontario are transforming buses into moving canvases, using large-scale wraps and interior storytelling spotlighting local leaders, history, and community voices.

From Ottawa to Hamilton and Waterloo Region, this year’s designs blend bold visuals with pointed messages about representation, belonging, and the ongoing contributions of Black Canadians.

A ‘Pride of Dreams’

In Ottawa, three OC Transpo buses are travelling the city wrapped in Pride of Dreams, a mural by local artist Jimmy Baptiste.

Spanning roughly 18.5 m² (200 sf), the design reflects OC Transpo and the City of Ottawa’s commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion, while celebrating the history and culture of Black, African, and Caribbean communities in the capital.

At the centre of the mural, a young boy sits at a computer—a symbol of imagination and ambition. Surrounding him are prominent figures and historical references, including journalist Stefan Keyes, blues musician Angelique Francis, and soccer legend Charmaine Hooper. The mural’s street signs and storefronts nod to local Black history, including Paul Barber, an enslaved man who secured his freedom and built a life in Ottawa, and Brown’s Cleaners, founded by Herbert “Pops” and Estelle Brown.

A railway porter also appears, representing workers who organized for better conditions and built an influential union.

“Public transit is one of the most powerful ways to make art accessible, because it brings art directly to people in their everyday lives,” said Baptiste. “It turns the city into a moving gallery.”

The project was developed in collaboration with Black History Ottawa, the Ottawa Black Art Kollective (OBAK), and the City of Ottawa.

An ‘IDEA’

In Hamilton, the Hamilton Street Railway (HSR) is marking Black History Month while also introducing a longer-term initiative.

The transit agency is launching its Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (IDEA) Placemaking Program in 2026. The program will feature an annual theme supported by a bus wrap, interior bus gallery, and community events designed to foster awareness and belonging.

The inaugural theme focuses on Black History in Hamilton. Designed by local artist stylo starr in consultation with the City’s Black History and Heritage Group, the wrap honours community leader Queen Cee. “Hamilton’s history has a long list of Black community leaders and contributors to the city. It is important to highlight the contemporary, current day leaders to show that Black history and influence in this city doesn’t just exist in the past – but it is being constantly created and fortified by the efforts and contributions of incredible Black Hamiltonians like Queen Cee,” starr said.

Bold visuals on the exterior prompt conversation, while inside the bus, riders encounter messages about Queen Cee’s story and impact. The intent is to create moments of reflection during daily commutes and highlight the ongoing contributions of Black Hamiltonians.

‘Black Excellence’ returns

In Waterloo Region, Grand River Transit (GRT) has relaunched its Black History Month bus wrap, first unveiled last year.

Designed by Wilfrid Laurier University student and local artist Vanessa Nkansah-Okoree, the wrap features a vivid green, yellow, orange, and red background and the phrase: “Black Excellence: Past strength, present brilliance and future promise.”

Portraits along the sides of the bus reflect a wide range of Black identities.

“I want to challenge the narrow, stereotypical portrayals of Black people and instead celebrate the depth of our identities,” said Nkansah-Okoree.

“Ultimately, what I’m trying to convey is that strength comes from unity, but that unity doesn’t mean uniformity.”

Ten community groups collaborated to bring the project to life, which Sign Media Canada covered in February 2025.