You never forget those who shaped your early years!
Will Smith recently returned to his hometown of Philadelphia to celebrate a street renaming ceremony in his honor, Complex reports. Smith was joined by fans, family and friends as the 2000 block of North 59th Street was changed to Will Smith Way, marking a pivotal moment in his decades long career. The newly named street is adjacent to Smith’s alma mater, Overbrook High School, the Oscar winner donning an Overbrook varsity jacket in homage to the school that made him.
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While the event was marked by high energy and so many of Smith’s loved ones, including his mother and Philly Mayor Cherelle Parker, there was one special attendee in the audience that he wanted to thank for the role they played in his journey. That person was Mrs. Brenda Brown, Smith’s 10th grade teacher. As she stood in the audience, cane in tow, admiring the former student she used to see in the halls of Overbrook, Smith took a moment to sincerely thank her for being the inspiration behind his “Fresh Prince,” persona.
“Where’s Mrs. Brown?,” Smith asked the crowd gathered at the ceremony before pointing her out. “Mrs. Brown, Brenda Brown, was my first teacher in 10th grade when I walked through these doors. Mrs. Brown’s about 5 feet tall, and she used to walk up in my chest and she would be like [moves finger in beckoning gesture],” began Smtih.
“Mrs. Brown was the teacher who started calling me Prince Charming. The name ‘the Fresh Prince’ was coined in that building. She called me ‘Prince,’ and I added the ‘Fresh’ because it was hip-hop slang. So the Fresh Prince. So thank you for that, Mrs. Brown,” he explained.
Beaming with pride, Mrs. Brown laughed at the memory as Smith’s mother sat beside him on stage nodding in agreement. The reveal was a true full circle moment for the mega star who began his career as a rapper. The ceremony was held a few days before the release of Smith’s fifth studio album, Based on a True Story, his first album in twenty years. The project features some of today’s biggest stars including Big Sean, Teyana Taylor, and his son Jaden. Smith also revealed that he is planning a July 4th concert in hometown for fans.
More proof that Black teachers matter!
Cover photo: Will Smith Shares Heartwarming Moment With 10th Grade Teacher at Street Renaming Ceremony/Photo credit: MediaPunch/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images/Will Smith/Instagram