Toronto’s first black woman streetcar operator, Irma James, sat down with her grandson, Zakiya Tafari, who is the Executive Director of African Food Basket.
Zakiya speaks about everything his grandmother Irma has done to support him and his family through hardships, and how she became an example to so many within the community.
Our President, Marvin Alfred, and Executive Board Member, Brian Connolly, were at Queen’s Park today talking with MPP Joel Harden (Transit Critic) and MPP Jill Andrew about the impact of P3s on public transit and the need for transparency on how public funds are spent.
Yesterday evening, a car driver accidently turned onto the GO train tracks at Finch Avenue in Scarborough. The car driver attempted to make a U-turn, and their vehicle was stuck while a GO train was approaching.
One of our members ran onto the tracks and opened the doors to the car. They were able to unbuckle and assist four seniors in the car and bring them back to safety.
Moments later, the car was struck by the train and became wedged underneath it.
“Our members continue to inspire the community with their acts of kindness, bravery, and selflessness,” said Marvin Alfred, President of ATU Local 113. “The operator has shared with us that they are glad to have been able to help people that were in danger, and that they are humbled by all the praise they have received.”
Thank you to our member, a transit operator at the TTC, for their quick thinking and heroism.
ATU Local 113 President, Marvin Alfred, sat down with Toronto’s first black female streetcar operator, Irma James.
This interview provides an overview of Irma’s journey, her experiences with racism on transit, and a message for ATU Local 113 members as we celebrate Black History Month.
How can we create a safer TTC for all? RSVP to share what a safe, dignified, and accessible public transit system means to you.
ATU Local 113 President, Marvin Alfred, is one of several guest speakers.
Our TTC: Safety For All
Public Transit Safety Townhall
7:00pm-8:30pm
Thursday, Feb. 9
Online or 941 Progress Ave
RSVP: www.ttcriders.ca/safetytownhall
As we begin Black History Month, we celebrate the history and incredible contributions of members of the Black community and people of African descent to our city of Toronto, our province and to Canada. We look forward to seeing this community continue to thrive in the years ahead.
As the first black President of ATU Local 113, I want to personally acknowledge all Black Members of ATU Local 113 over our 124-year history. It is their work, courage, sacrifice, wealth of shared knowledge, and their resilient spirit that helped pave the way for many of us to work and thrive at our workplaces and in our communities. Their incredible stories help us to reflect on the opportunities and privileges we now have.
At ATU Local 113, our vision is to recognize, reduce, and remove barriers that limit opportunities for anyone. This month we will focus on fighting Anti-Black Racism, celebrating the success of Black Members, and sharing stories of our very own pioneers.
Marvin Alfred
President/Business Agent
ATU Local 113
ATU Local 113 expresses our deepest condolences to the family of Brother Marcus Alsup, a bus driver at MTA MobilityLink in Baltimore, MD.
We strongly condemn this act of violence that has taken the life of a transit worker on duty, serving the public. ATU Local 113 stands in solidarity with his family and fellow transit workers at the Maryland Transit Administration.