The Mayor said that through his message, Bob Marley became an international ambassador “for peace, courageously speaking out against oppression, poverty, slavery and apartheid.”

Mr. Miller was speaking after proclaiming February 6, Bob Marley Day at a ceremony held at Toronto City Hall on Friday, Feb. 3.

“Bob Marley’s one world, one love was a powerful message. His music spoke to all,” said Mayor Miller.

This is the 16^th year that Toronto has proclaimed Bob Marley Day, to mark his birthday.

Mr. Courtney Betty, Chairman of the Bob Marley Day committee in Toronto, said over the years the celebration of the Day “has allowed Torontonians to come together and celebrate the life of an artiste who, through his talents and words, was able to reach many of differing backgrounds and beliefs, with a profoundly powerful message of humanitarianism and peace.”

Each year, the committee also recognizes individuals who use their “skills and resources to help make the city of Toronto a better place.”

Those presented with the Bob Marley Award this year were Paulette Senior, newly appointed Chief Executive Officer of the YWCA; radio announcer Delroy Graham; writer, poet and actress Anne-Marie Woods; entrepreneur Angelita Elliott, who last year organized the first Toronto International Jerk and Jazz Festival; Nikem Anizor, President of Black Youth Taking Action, created to empower young black persons;  Toronto City Councillor Michael Thompson and Suzette Cadougan, whose four-year-old son, Shaquan, was accidentally shot four times during a drive-by shooting as he played in front of his home last year.  Ms. Cadougan has since become a proponent for tougher laws for gun crimes.

The Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Mr. Arnold Auguste, publisher of Share Newspaper, the largest and most popular newspaper serving the Caribbean community in Toronto.