Illustrated artwork by Alexis Ake to celebrate Black History Month.

Celebrating Black History Month: A Pop-Up Shop Showcasing Black-Owned Businesses at Union Station

Published: February 1, 2024

Black History Month 2024

In a vibrant city like Toronto that’s rich with culture, February marks the celebration of Black History Month. Metrolinx commemorates this month acknowledging and honouring the invaluable contributions of Black individuals throughout history and today. Metrolinx is proud to recognize the importance of unity, diversity, and inclusion, in the workplace and every day. This year, Metrolinx is celebrating with a wrapped double-decker GO bus designed by Alexis Eke, an ACB Toronto-based artist, and internal employee spotlights.

GO double decker bus wrapped for Black History Month with art designed by Alexis Eke

At UP Express, we’re proud to be the link that seamlessly connects UP Union Station in downtown Toronto to Pearson Airport. Beyond being an air-rail link, UP Express stands as a symbol of inclusivity and accessibility as we facilitate the movement of people of all backgrounds. This Black History Month, lets support and amplify Black voices and businesses within our community. Join us in celebrating this month, where we are more than just an airport transportation service; we are a conduit for understanding, respect, and a shared commitment to embracing the diversity that defines the city of Toronto.

UP Express is excited to announce that this year to celebrate Black History Month, we’re highlighting the African, Black, and Caribbean community with a pop-up shop featuring local black-owned small businesses. Join us all week long from Monday February 12th – Friday February 16th from 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM at the UPstairs Lounge at UP Union Station 2nd floor!

UP Express Pop-Up Shop:

  • Date: February 12 – 16
  • Location: UPstairs Lounge at UP Union Station 2nd floor
  • Time: 11AM – 7PM

UP Express Black History Month Pop-Up Shop

Discover the black-owned vendors that will be joining us at the pop-up shop.

Monoxide

Women wearing jewelry from 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

Anti-bump treatment from 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

Lady lying on couch with a notebook from PleaseNotes, small owned-black business in Toronto, ON

“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, PleaseNotes is here to help you move from confusion to clarity.

Sea Moss N Tingz

Luxury handcrafted soap from 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

Baby pacifier and little girl posting with fruit on bamboo plate from 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

Nile Valley Books specializes in diverse Afrocentric and multicultural literature and resources

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.