THANK YOU FOR KEEPING US ON TRACK

2021

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Thank You For Keeping Us On Track pays tribute to the Black Canadian porters who formed the first Black Railway Union in North America (1917). Their contributions helped to stabilize the Canadian economy and lay the framework for future unions by other collectives. This work helps bring to light the under-told stories of Black Canadians contributions, struggles and triumphs in order to share a sense of empowerment amongst the Black community and a greater understanding of Canadian history. Union Station is an important historical site where many of the trains that railway porters once worked passed through. The hats depicted in the sculpture represent those once worn by the porters and as a whole, symbolize their unity and success in changing Canada’s labour force—making it better for all workers.