International Reggae superstar, the late Jamaican icon, Bob Marley was remembered by the City of Toronto on Wednesday with the presentation of humanitarian awards to eight Torontonians.

February 6, 2013 marked Marley’s 68 birthday. He died of cancer in 1981 at the age of 36 but his legacy continues to live on.

The awardees are Rapper Aubrey “Drake” Graham, founder of OVO records; Pamela Appelt, retired Judge of Court of Canadian Citizenship; Rowan Barret, executive vice-president of the Senior’s Men Team at Basketball Canada; Ben Hum, president and co-founder of the North American Association of Asian Professionals, Toronto; Marlon Reid, vice-president of Credit Treasury, Investment Banking, TD Securities; Pradeep Soho, CEO of Starling Corporation and Founder of XactScribe; Manuel Rodriguez, CEO and Founder of Unikron and Scott Crowley, regional managing partners of Advisory Services at MNP, LLP.

There was live music in council chambers. This is the 22nd year that the City of Toronto has recognized February 6 as Bob Marley Day.
Marley’s words and vision forever changed the world. His image and music evoke a rich legacy and emotional connection that transcends generation, ethnicity, gender, and geography.

According to Courtney Betty, Chair of the Bob Marley Day committee, “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 city a better place for all. As the diverse population continues its tremendous growth, it becomes even more critical that the doors of opportunity are open to all.”

Marley’s message of unity, freedom, peace, empowerment and love have never been more relevant in today fast-paced and changing world.