Bob Marley Day Proclaimed in Toronto

For the 19th consecutive year, the Mayor of Toronto, Canada, proclaimed February 6 as Bob Marley Day.
Mayor David Miller, is Toronto’s fifth Mayor to have issued a proclamation in honour of the Jamaican reggae icon.
On Thursday, February 5, Jamaican-born City Councillor, Michael Thompson, read the Proclamation at the annual Bob Marley Day event in Toronto held at Toronto, City Hall, where several outstanding citizens were honoured with Bob Marley Awards.
The Proclamation read: “Whereas Robert Nesta Marley was born on February 6, 1945 and in his 36 years created a legacy of socially observant music which has continued to inspire hope and creativity all over the world.

Seven year-old Kaya Johnson (right), sings Bob Marley’s ‘Redemption Song’, while being accompanied on guitar by her 10 year-old brother, Zion Johnson. Occasion was the reading of a Proclamation declaring February 6 Bob Marley Day, in Toronto, Canada, on February 5.

Bob Marley’s popular reggae music, both powerful and distinct, captivated people of all cultures and continues to bring enjoyment around the world. His profound influence on the musical and cultural landscape earned him his place in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and changed the history of popular music.
Through his music, Bob Marley became an advocate for human rights and an international ambassador of peace, courageously speaking out against oppression, poverty, slavery, apartheid. For his work, he was honoured with the Peace Medal of the Third World by the United Nations and the Order of Merit by his home country of Jamaica.
Now, therefore, I, Mayor David Miller, on behalf of Toronto City Council, do hereby proclaim February 6, 2009, as ‘Bob Marley Day’ and join with Torontonians to salute a great humanitarian and artiste.”