Mayor Rob Ford called in sick on “Bob Marley Day” in Toronto, his office has confirmed.
While Toronto has celebrated the famous musician’s birthday for years, Ford’s Feb. 6 proclamation caught the attention of social media and read:
WHEREAS each year on Feb. 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.
Rob Ford’s love of the popular reggae musician isn’t new. On Dec. 17, 2013, a video showing the mayor jiving to a rendition of Marley’s “One Love” was picked up by media around the world:
