An original creation
Throughout the month of February, OC Transpo riders might notice three of our buses rolling around with a very special look.
As part of OC Transpo’s celebration of Black History Month, a new mural, titled “Pride of Dreams”, was designed and developed by Ottawa artist Jimmy Baptiste and is brimming with symbolism.
In creating this original piece of artwork, Baptiste drew on more than two decades of experience of delivering compelling visual communication across a multitude of projects. The design reflects OC Transpo and the City of Ottawa’s commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion as we celebrate the history and culture of our Black, African and Caribbean riders and broader community.
In about 200 square feet of space, the mural captures and celebrates a collection of people, stories and moments in time. Featuring both acknowledging nods to local history as well as a hopeful gaze to future possibilities, Jimmy Baptiste’s rolling art is made up of more meaning than meets the eye.
It starts with a dream
Like a lot of art, this mural begins with a dream. In the image’s centre, a young boy sits in front of a computer, developing and planning an idea that began as but a spark in his mind.
Jimmy Baptiste's childhood was filled with these sparks – with comic books, cartoons and graffiti planting seeds of inspiration in the artist’s mind. The urban setting that surrounded Baptiste provided a canvas and a gallery alike, one that Baptiste says was equal parts educational and inspiring.
Paying tribute to trailblazers
This contrast allows the spotlight to be on the important figures featured within, each one carrying an important history and representing the relentless pursuit of possibility.
Beside the young boy at the computer stands Stefan Keyes, an award-winning journalist who turned aspiration into reality, living his lifelong dream of being on television and in entertainment.
Angelique Francis can be seen nearby, holding a guitar. A powerhouse of talent and determination, her dream to sing has blossomed into a legendary career as one of Canada’s foremost Blues musicians.
Superstar athlete Charmaine Crooks stands tall behind them, a trailblazer who rose to the pinnacle of her sport. Her story speaks to the strength of discipline and the courage to break barriers.
The Barber Street sign is visible near the centre of the mural, anchoring us in history and honouring Paul Barber. An enslaved man who dreamt of freedom and a life in Ottawa, Barber achieved his dream against all odds, marrying, settling and building a family in this city.
Another sign is featured in the mural, this one for Brown’s Cleaners. Paying tribute to the entrepreneurial spirit of Herbert “Pops” and Estelle Brown, this element celebrates the business they built and how it thrived, helping countless new immigrants realize their own dreams in the process.
A Porter rounds out the figures featured in the mural, representing the men who dared to dream beyond the confines of their labour; they organized and fought for better working conditions, building an influential union that changed lives in the process.
As Baptiste says, the intent to highlight and pay homage to these incredible stories of determination and transformative trailblazing shaped the artist’s creative process.
“This project was a meaningful collaboration between Black History Ottawa, OBAK, and the City of Ottawa.”
“Throughout the process, the goal was to pay tribute to Black trailblazers and community figures who helped shape Ottawa’s cultural, historical, and creative identity. At the same time, it was important to honour the strength and sacrifices of our ancestors. Giving thanks to the people whose hard work helped build better futures for generations that came after them.” — Jimmy Baptiste
Ottawa: A moving gallery
In highlighting these dreams and stories through a mural that will cover thousands of kilometres this February, Baptiste recognized the potential to instill awareness and appreciation for the dreams that drove progress forward in Ottawa and beyond. Public transit extends the reach and accessibility of local art and artists, he said, while also offering the chance for art to be appreciated by Ottawa’s residents, while they’re on the go.
“Public transit is one of the most powerful ways to make art accessible, because it brings art directly to people in their everyday lives.”
“In a way, it reminds me of graffiti on trains. Art that travels through different parts of the city and becomes part of the public experience. It turns the city into a moving gallery, reaching people directly in their everyday lives.” — Jimmy Baptiste
Whether you take a double-decker bus featuring this mural, see its evocative imagery in passing from a seat on the O-Train, or even spot it rolling by during an evening stroll, Baptiste hopes that the mural inspires feelings of pride, respect and connection.
“I want Black communities to see themselves reflected in a way that feels powerful and celebratory, and for everyone, I hope it sparks curiosity for the stories and contributions being honoured.”
“More than anything, I want it to feel uplifting; like a moving reminder that Black history is living history, and it continues to shape the city every day.” — Jimmy Baptiste
More about Jimmy Baptiste
Versatile and always ready for creative challenges, Jimmy Baptiste transforms ideas into striking visual experiences. His bold, vibrant illustrations and design work live across walls, pages, products, and digital spaces, each piece rooted in storytelling, culture, and emotion.
Curious to see more? Dive deeper into Jimmy’s portfolio to explore his murals, illustrations, and creative projects, and discover the stories behind the work.
Visit Jimmy Baptiste’s official website
For collaborations, professional background, and career highlights, connect with Jimmy on LinkedIn .
