Quinta Brunson, the Emmy Award-winning creator of the acclaimed sitcom Abbott Elementary, will receive Philadelphia’s Key to the City from Mayor Cherelle L. Parker.
According to the news releases, the honor is part of the dedication of a new mural at the Andrew Hamilton School. Titled Blooming Futures, the mural was designed by local artist Athena Scott, who will give remarks along with Brunson at the ceremony scheduled for Wednesday, May 28. Scott was the elementary school that served as inspiration for Abbott Elementary.
Along with Brunson, Scott’s Blooming Futures was created with the help of “Hamilton school students and staff whom she met with for inspiration.” The new mural depicts the school as a garden, surrounded by dedicated educators cultivating the growing student population. Mural Arts, a world-renowned organization based in Philadelphia dedicated to education and uplifting creatives with their communities, made a guest appearance during the second season of Abbott Elementary.
In a statement, Brunson expressed her gratitude for the tremendous honor.
“I am so grateful to be receiving the key to my hometown, Philly,” Brunson’s statement read.“This city shaped me, and now I get to give back with a mural that celebrates all it gave me. I am truly honored.”
“The City of Philadelphia is beyond grateful to have someone as inspiring and compassionate as Quinta Brunson. She doesn’t just represent the spirit of Philadelphia on television, she brings her success home and shares it with the city that loves her back,” Mayor Parker added.
“It goes without saying that education and representation matter. As our young people look for role models, may they find inspiration in dream chasers and change makers like Quinta Brunson,” she continued. “And let us never forget the impact of a great teacher, who shows up every day to uplift, encourage, and fight for the future of our youth.”