Mayor John Tory will present Zanana Akande with a Key to the City for dedicating her life’s work to addressing equity issues in the community and improving the social, economic, cultural and political status of women in Toronto.
Date: Saturday, June 23
Time: 2:15 p.m.
Location: Ontario Square, 235 Queens Quay W.
If there is inclement weather, this presentation will be moved to Miss Lou’s Room inside Habourfront Centre.
“Zanana Akande is a community leader who cares passionately about others. At every opportunity, she has demonstrated her unwavering belief in the human spirit and has found ways to improve lives by investing her time in the well-being of people. She has advanced issues related to equality and socio-economic status and worked within governments, institutions and community organizations that provide people with education and experiences, while inspiring a sense of belonging and hope. For her devotion to the prosperity of others, I am proud to present Zanana Akande with a Key to the City,” said Mayor Tory.
After serving for many years as an educator, Akande was the first Black woman elected to the Legislative Assembly of Ontario and the first appointed as a Cabinet Minister. She has served many organizations over the years including the YWCA, Centennial College, Harbourfront Centre and the Urban Alliance on Race Relations.
On April 30, seven Key to the City recipients were announced for 2018. The complete list of recipients for this year is available at https://www.toronto.ca/city-government/awards-tributes/tributes/key-to-the-city/.
During his term in office, Mayor Tory has officially presented Keys to the City to His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj, Paul Beeston, Rush, Aubrey Graham (Drake), Susan Gapka and Peter Oundjian.
Since amalgamation, 61 Keys to the City have officially been presented by Mayors of Toronto. The Mayor awards the Key to inspiring individuals from diverse backgrounds who embody the spirit and potential of Toronto and have contributed significantly to civic life. The Key to the City represents the highest honour that the City can confer on an individual or a group.
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