Following in the footsteps of previous Toronto mayors, Rob Ford has officially declared Feb. 6, 2014 as "Bob Marley Day."
The mayor, who showed his love for the reggae legend by dancing to his iconic song "One Love" during a December city council meeting, called Marley "one of the greatest ambassadors of peace the world has seen."
"He used music to tear down the walls of apartheid and promoted African unity, culture and world peace both at home and internationally…. Today, his music continues to be loved by many and is instantly recognized around the world," Ford said in a public proclamation.
Ford isn’t the only Toronto mayor who is a fan of Marley. Former Toronto mayor Art Eggleton was the first to declare Feb. 6 as Bob Marley Day in 1991, according to a Facebook page.
An annual awards ceremony and reception honouring 10 people in the city who have been “instrumental” in creating opportunities for diversity has been held since then.
