Juneteenth is coming up June 19th, and MTD is launching an exhibit commemorating the celebration. From the press release:
MTD’s Juneteenth Bus hits the streets today and offers the community a chance to read about the origins and importance of the holiday. Large panels on the exterior of the bus invite the public to get on board to view the mobile exhibit, which consists of nearly 40 unique interior displays ranging from historical facts and photographs, to quotes from famous figures, as well as book excerpts and recommendations for continued learning. Several MTD employees submitted quotes about Juneteenth and the Black experience, which are also displayed. In addition, MTD commissioned poems for the holiday from the current Urbana Poet Laureates, Ja Nelle Davenport-Pleasure and Danyla Nash. Both poems are prominently displayed in a light box behind the driver and will soon be installed on the platform of Illinois Terminal.
MTD engaged our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee, made up of 16 employees from various departments, backgrounds, and positions, to decide how the District would celebrate and observe Juneteenth. The Committee selected education as one of the most important themes for MTD and worked collaboratively to create the mobile exhibit.
The Juneteenth Bus Mobile Exhibit is a powerful and accessible educational resource and will be in service on randomly assigned routes through the end of July 2023. MTD will also make the bus exhibit available at community events throughout the spring and summer. Announcements on planned appearances will be posted to the District’s social media pages (@rideMTD) as events are confirmed.