On March 26, Will Smith was honored in a big way in his hometown of Philadelphia as a portion of 59th Street was officially renamed to “Will Smith Way”. The moment was a significant milestone in the actor and musician’s illustrious career, and it was a heartfelt tribute to his roots in the City of Brotherly Love.
Taking to Instagram, Smith expressed his gratitude, calling the honor the “honor of a lifetime.” He posted a video and several photos of the new street sign over a bridge in Philadelphia, showing his admiration for the city that shaped him.
“Philly, I am yours. This is the honor of a lifetime,” Smith wrote on Thursday, March 27, alongside images of him with Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle L. Parker, Caroline Bright, and other city officials. In his post, he added, “Hey, Philly. I love you. I am yours, you are mine. I will see you on the Fourth of July.”
Philadelphia’s Pride in Will Smith
The gesture is a testament to Smith’s journey from West Philadelphia to becoming a global icon. Mayor Cherelle L. Parker shared her pride for the honor in an Instagram post, highlighting Smith’s dedication to his roots.
“From his roots of being born and raised in West Philadelphia, to his rise as a global superstar, he’s shown us all what it means to dream big and work hard,” Parker wrote. “We are incredibly proud to call @willsmith one of our own. His achievements are a reflection of the strength, resilience, and brilliance of Philadelphia’s people.”
Parker further noted that the street renaming was a celebration of the values Smith represents: creativity, kindness, and the power of community. The dedication of 2000 N. 59th Street as Will Smith Way honors not just his achievements, but the impact he has made on his city and the world.
Smith’s Return to Music: New Album in the Works
In addition to the street renaming, Smith is gearing up to release his highly anticipated album, titled “Based On a True Story”. This will be his first full-length album since 2005’s Lost and Found, marking his return to the music scene after a long hiatus. The album is set to be the first of a three-part series that Smith will release under his SLANG Recordings label.
The lead single from the album, “Beautiful Scars,” features Big Sean and Obanga, with production by OmArr and LeXoskeleton. Fans are eagerly anticipating Smith’s return to music as he blends his signature style with new collaborations.
As Smith continues to make waves both in music and in his hometown, it’s clear that “Will Smith Way” is just one of many milestones he will celebrate on his journey. From acting to music, his career continues to evolve, and Philadelphia remains a proud supporter of his success.
