By Dave Rodney/ Gleaner Writer—t
New York State Senator Kevin S. Parker (right) of the 21st Senatorial District in Brooklyn issues a New York state proclamation for Jamaican reggae icon Peter Tosh for this year’s observance of 4/20. Accepting the award is Brian Latture, executive manager of the Peter Tosh Estate. The presentation was made at the senator’s office in Brooklyn, New York.—
New York State Senator Kevin Parker on Thursday issued a New York State proclamation for Jamaica reggae icon, Peter Tosh for this year’s renewal of the national observance of 4/20. Tosh has been lauded over the years for his relentless fight for the decriminalization of marijuana and for his sterling and steadfast efforts towards the global promotion of reggae music, as well as his quest for equal rights and justice.
Tosh died in 1987, and the proclamation was received on his behalf by Brian Latture, executive manager of the Peter Tosh Estate, at the senator’s Tilden Avenue office in Brooklyn, New York. A cadre of state officials, as well as a media contingent, came out to witness the presentation.
The proclamation reads in part: “It is the privilege of this legislative body to honour Peter Tosh for his exemplary service and humanitarianism upon the illustrious occasion of the 4/20 Peter Tosh celebration.”
The proclamation continues, “Peter Tosh’s example, as both an artiste and an activist, continues to inspire creators and idealists around the world. He was, and is, a true leader whose music and message inspire people on every continent throughout the world.”
The proclamation came just ahead of the 4/20 celebrations for 2019, a national observance of respect for the wide variety and multiple uses of cannabis, including recreational, sacramental and medicinal.
As part of the Tosh activities today, his youngest daughter, Niambe McIntosh, head of the Peter Tosh Estate and board chairperson for the Peter Tosh Foundation, will be attending the National Cannabis Festival at the RFK Stadium in Washington, DC. Additionally, a new take on a Peter Tosh classic, Downpressor Man by Tosh 1, featuring vocals by Peter Tosh, has already been serviced to radio as a promotional single. A number of regional stations, including Irie Jam Radio 93.5 FM in New York, will be playing portions of Peter Tosh’s extensive catalog.
And in Vancouver, Canada, close to 100,000 fans are expected to show up for a free concert at Sunset Beach headlined by Cypress Hill, where Peter Tosh’s cannabis anthem, Legalize It, will be sung at exactly 4:20 pm, around the time when the event will attract its peak audience.
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