Bob Marley Day Humanitarian Awards

Toronto marks Bob Marley’s 77th Birthday

Eight-community leader to receive 

Bob Marley Day Humanitarian Awards

 

 Toronto City Council has proclaimed February 6th, Bob Marley Day in Toronto.  This is the 31st time that the city has honoured the late great Jamaican musician.  In previous years there have been public events held to mark the Reggae star’s birthday, this year it will be recorded at A Different Booklist Cultural Centre - The People's Residence and broadcast on YouTube at 3pm.
 

After the Proclamation issued by Mayor John Tory is read, we will honour this year’s recipients of the Bob Marley Humanitarian Award. Bookstore owner and author Itah Sadu will read from her book, a children’s story about how a new Canadian youngster makes friends with his principal over their mutual love for Bob Marley. We will also have a presentation on the progress of little Jamaica by Nadine Spencer of the Black Business and Professional Association.

Receiving awards this year will be:

 
1.Ian Allen (OBVC Board member and Director of Strategic Communications and Initiatives, Ontario Treasury Board Secretariat)
2.Steve Anderson (Deputy Mayor for the Town of Shelburne and a Regional Councillor for the County of Dufferin)
3.Deborah Cox (Award winning entertainer)

Gervan Fearon 

4.Gervan Fearon (President George Brown College)
5.Tiffany Ford (Entrepreneur, Former School Board Trustee  and Community Advocate)
6.Siphesihle November (Principal Dancer National Ballet of Canada) 

Valerie Steele

 7.Valarie   Steele (Community   Activist) 

 8.Senator Wanda   Thomas   Bernard (Canadian   Senator from Nova   Scotia)

 

“This marks the 31st year in a row that the City of Toronto has officially declared February 6th Bob Marley Day (which began with former Toronto Mayor Art Eggleton),” explained long-time Bob Marley Day Committee Member, Courtney Betty. “ Bob Marley would have been 77 this Sunday.
 
“Bob Marley said “One Love”.  So, each year we take time to honour the best of the best, people - acting in the diversity spirit of Bob Marley’s One Love, - who have worked hard to make our country a better place for all.  As the diverse population continues its tremendous growth, it becomes even more critical that the doors of opportunities are open to all. “
 
The Award Ceremony – sponsored by Roots Canada - airs Bob Marley Day’s YouTube Channel on Sunday, February 6th at 3:00pm. 
 
Bob Marley's message of unity, freedom, peace, empowerment and love have never been more relevant.  Bob Marley Day Awards maintains an active social media presence. Details about this

Itah Sadu

year’s award recipients have been posted on the  @bobmarleydayto Twitter account.

Photos By Anthony Berot & Stephen Weir