Today, Toronto’s Mayor honoured singer and actress Deborah Cox with a Key to the City in a ceremony at City Hall and proclaimed today as “Deborah Cox Day” in Toronto.
Deborah Cox began her career as a back-up singer for Celine Dion and has become one of Canada’s most celebrated R&B artists, the first Black female Canadian Music Hall of Fame inductee and an international talent spanning the worlds of music, Broadway, television, film and fashion. With six critically-acclaimed studio albums, she has had an impressive 13 number one hits on the Billboard music charts. She is also the winner of three Juno Awards.
Born and raised in Toronto, Deborah’s contributions have gone far beyond music. She has been recognized for her commitment to various social justice initiatives, including advocacy for 2SLGBTQ+ rights and support for those living with HIV/AIDS. Deborah has received numerous honours including the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce’s National Business Inclusion Consortium (NGLCC-NBIC) Icon Award, the Luminary Award from the University of The West Indies and the Liberty Bell from Philadelphia Mayor James Kenney. In 2020, Deborah was honoured with the Black Music Honors’ Entertainer Icon Award, in recognition of her 25 years in the music industry.
The Mayor awards the Key to the City to inspiring individuals from diverse backgrounds who embody the spirit and potential of Toronto and who have contributed significantly to civic life. The Key to the City is the highest honour that the City of Toronto grants to an individual or a group. More information is available on the City’s Key to the City webpage.
Quote:
“I am proud to honour Deborah Cox – one of Toronto’s most iconic musical voices and an even stronger voice for under-represented communities – with a Key to the City. Deborah is a talented artist who has made our city proud. Beyond her achievements in music, theatre and the arts, she has made numerous contributions to the 2SLGBTQ+ and BIPOC communities by paving the way for future generations of creators. I am incredibly proud to present Deborah with the City’s highest honour and proclaim today ‘Deborah Cox Day.’”
– Mayor of Toronto
Toronto is home to more than 2.9 million people whose diversity and experiences make this great city Canada’s leading economic engine and one of the world’s most diverse and livable cities. As the fourth largest city in North America, Toronto is a global leader in technology, finance, film, music, culture and innovation, and consistently places at the top of international rankings due to investments championed by its government, residents and businesses. For more information visit the City’s website or follow us on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook.