PHILADELPHIA (AP) — From his beginnings in West Philadelphia to having a street named after him, Will Smith remains a prominent figure in his hometown.
Smith was honored on Wednesday, March 26, during a ceremony to celebrate the 56-year-old artist with a street named after him in West Philadelphia. From now on, 59th Street in West Philly will be known as Will Smith Way.
“When I thought about the Will Smith Way, it was embodied in the lessons I received from my father, my mother, and my grandmother,” Smith said. “I think of them as a triangle that represents the Will Smith Way, with my father as the base.”
Wearing an Overbrook High School class of 1986 varsity jacket, Smith continued: “My father taught me that nothing comes without discipline and hard work. You can’t build a life if you’re not willing to endure and work for your dreams.”
Smith also highlighted his mother’s focus on education and his grandmother’s devotion to living in service to others.
The Academy Award-winning actor recalled a teacher from his sophomore year of high school who gave him the nickname “Prince Charming,” which inspired The Fresh Prince persona in the classic ’90s sitcom.
“The name ‘The Fresh Prince’ was coined in that building,” Smith said, referring to Overbrook High School. “I added ‘the fresh’ because it was hip-hop slang.”
Smith is set to release his first album in 20 years on Friday, March 28, titled “Based On a True Story,” which will be available on streaming services.