Before you can change, you must understand.

Fortunately, there are numerous opportunities this month to learn more about Black History, Black experiences and celebrate Black creators, entrepreneurs, and artists.

Below we put together a few highlights of this month’s happenings and share other’s great lists of events.

We encourage you to ride UTA whenever possible to attend these events and do so with a particular lens — one that supports Transit Equity Day (February 4th - Rosa Parks' Birthday).

Whether you are a regular or casual rider, consider whether UTA services support access and equity or — let’s check our own understanding — hinder it.

In the vein of fostering understanding first, then taking action, let’s define these terms as they relate to transit.

Access: the ability of a person, regardless of physical ability or socio-economic status, to use UTA services and connect with resources that expand one’s life opportunities.

Equity: UTA services are designed in a way that does not perpetuate historical class or race-based disadvantages and actively works to reduce them.

The U.S. Department of Transportation links the ideals of access and equity by saying: Equity in transportation seeks fairness in mobility and accessibility to meet the needs of all community members.

Next is action. Share your observations with us! You can complete a form, give us a call or send us an email. Every customer comment is tracked, reviewed, and addressed at UTA.

Take UTA to these Black History Month events

Downtown

All-Star Bazaar
A Black History Month Celebration – held from Fri, Feb 17, 2023, 5:00 PM – Sun, Feb 19, 2023, 11:00 PM

Hosted by Beloved Community and local community partners during the 2023 Utah All-Star Weekend, Utah's annual Black History Month Celebration is a family-friendly, community-centered, winter festival that unifies Utah's community in celebrating the history of our nation and the continuity in the work of building inclusive histories. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/all-star-bazaar-tickets-500874367717?aff=ebdssbdestsearch

Universities

UTA services Weber University, the University of Utah, Salt Lake Community College campuses, Utah Valley University, and Brigham Young University. These are great places to learn more about Black History. Below are just a few highlights.

University of Utah’s Black History Month Events

Brigham Young University - Perspectives
February 17th, at 7:00 pm @ BYU University WSC Ballroom.

Perspectives consists of a show that celebrates and portrays the richness and diversity that exists among and within various black cultures in different forms such as music, dance, fashion, gospel music, poetry, and life experiences with the BYU community.

SLCC Black History Month Events

Other Community Events

All About the Melanin Festival
February 25th from 2-11 pm @ 2006 Space Oddity

A festival celebrating Black History Month! Features art, live music, wellness, films, hair & makeup tutorials, spoken word, visual arts performances, and vendors all by local, national, and international black excellence.

Black History Month: Sip and Learn
Feb 4th and 10th @ Cocktail Collective
Events focused on cocktails created by America’s Black Bartenders.

For more see these great lists from Axios and KSL.com.
https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2023/02/01/black-history-month-utah-events

https://www.ksl.com/article/50568311/celebrating-black-history-month-in-utah-

If you need help with trip planning or purchasing a fare, use the Transit app. Also, keep in mind as your plan your outing that we have two zero fare promotions going on this month: zero fare with your boarding pass, and zero fare February 12-21 in support of the NBA All-Star events.

Of course, there is even more you can dive into about the intersection of transit, civil rights, and Black History. We highlighted a few of those resources last year, check them out.



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