On Wednesday, March 26, the city of Philadelphia named a portion of 59th Street Will Smith Way in recognition of the hometown star’s impact on culture and entertainment. The renamed street is in the Overbrook neighborhood of West Philadelphia, where Smith grew up before becoming one of Hollywood’s most bankable stars.
Smith first gained national recognition in the late ’80s as part of the hip-hop duo DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince. That fame paved the way for his starring role in the TV sitcom The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, which aired from 1990 to 1996. The show, which was based loosely on his life, solidified his reputation as a fascinating performer with deep ties to Philadelphia.
Will Smith pledges loyalty after being gifted a street name
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During the dedication ceremony, Smith stood with Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle L. Parker and city officials as the Will Smith Way street sign was unveiled. His mother, Caroline Bright, was also present, sitting beside him as the city celebrated his legacy. Not long after the ceremony, Smith took to Instagram to thank everyone, calling it the honor of a lifetime as he professed his love and loyalty.
His post featured several photos from the ceremony, including one of him smiling beneath the new street sign and another of him posing with Parker. Smith also shared a video of the sign placed atop a bridge, as he captured the moment his name became a permanent part of the city.
The Philadelphia mayor describes Will Smith as inspiring
Mayor Parker celebrated Smith’s career in entertainment and his hometown and called his success an inspirational story. She pointed out that Smith’s work, television, music, and movies are proof of what citizens of Philadelphia are capable of doing.
Parker highlighted Smith’s commitment to his roots and how, even after achieving global fame, he has continued to commit himself to uplifting his community. In 2019, he returned to his childhood house in Overbrook for a YouTube series, sharing stories about his childhood. He has also supported other local initiatives, including educational initiatives and youth mentoring programs.