Today is ‘Bob Marley Day’ in Toronto; Rob Ford gets dancing

Hear ye, hear ye. Toronto Mayor Rob Ford has declared Feb. 6 “Bob Marley Day.” Toronto residents, get partying.

The mayor, who gained fame by smoking crack and making outrageous public statements, is reportedly a big fan of Marley. In December he had his colleagues dancing to the reggae icon’s “One Love” during a city council meeting.

Ford isn’t the first Toronto mayor to love Marley. It’s a tradition that began in 1991 with Mayor Art Eggleton. Marley is esteemed by the Canadian city for his “message of peace, love and unity,” as a Facebook account attests. The celebration includes a reception at City Hall with awards to various Toronto residents.

Here is today’s Ford proclamation:

“WHEREAS each year on February 6, we honour the legacy of Robert (Bob) Nesta Marley, an influential musician, advocate for human rights and international ambassador of peace.

His early career began with friends, the legendary Wailers, ‘Bob Marley and the Wailers.’ His music captivated people of all cultures, broke music barriers and helped introduce reggae music to the world.

Bob Marley became 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, with songs like One Love and Africa Unite. Today, his music continues to be loved by many and is instantly recognized around the world.

NOW THEREFORE, I, Mayor Rob Ford, on behalf of Toronto City Council, do hereby proclaim February 6, 2014 as ‘Bob Marley Day’ in the City of Toronto.”

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