March 28, 2025
Will Smith solidifies his legacy as Philadelphia’s hometown hero with a avenue renamed in his honor.
Will Smith’s hometown has paid tribute to him in a significant means by renaming a Philadelphia avenue in his honor.
The Academy Award-winning actor returned to his hometown of Philadelphia on March 26, standing exterior his alma mater, Overbrook Excessive Faculty, as the town unveiled “Will Smith Means” on the 2000 block of North 59th Avenue, CBS Information studies. Smith obtained deep throughout his speech whereas reflecting on his Philadelphia upbringing and the life classes that formed his values of onerous work, training, and repair to others—rules instilled in him by his mom, father, and grandmother.
“When issues get onerous, you must be keen to undergo to alter the circumstances,” he mentioned. “No one will get a simple journey. And that was one of many issues these streets of Philadelphia taught me, that there’s nothing improper with a tough day’s work.”
“Hey, Philly. I really like you. I’m yours, you might be mine. I’ll see you on the Fourth of July,” Smith added, teasing his return for a particular live performance on the Ben Franklin Parkway through the Fourth of July vacation.
Stuffed with pleasure and gratitude, Smith took to Instagram to share his appreciation.
“Philly, I’m yours. That is the distinction of a lifetime,” Smith wrote on Instagram.
He included pictures posing alongside Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle L. Parker, Caroline Vibrant, and different metropolis officers. Mayor Parker shared her personal publish on Instagram celebrating Smith’s achievements in music and movie, in addition to his ongoing assist for the town that formed him.
“From his roots of being born and raised in West Philadelphia to his rise as a worldwide celebrity, he’s proven us all what it means to dream large and work onerous,” Parker wrote in her caption.
“We’re extremely proud to name @willsmith certainly one of our personal. His achievements are a mirrored image of the power, resilience, and brilliance of Philadelphia’s folks. As we rename 2000 N. 59th Avenue in Will’s honor as we speak, let’s have a good time every thing he represents — creativity, kindness, and the ability of neighborhood.”
The road renaming comes simply forward of Smith’s upcoming album, Primarily based On a True Story. His first full-length launch since 2005’s Misplaced and Discovered, the album marks the primary installment of a three-part collection set to debut beneath SLANG Recordings.
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