Will Smith Returns To West Philadelphia To Celebrate A Street Named In His Honor

The intersection of North 59th Street and Lancaster Avenue in West Philadelphia has officially been renamed to “Will Smith Way,” in honor of the city’s beloved superstar. City officials passed a resolution on March 6, expressing their pride in recognizing Will Smith’s outstanding contributions to both the entertainment world and his hometown.

A special ceremony, held Wednesday, celebrated Smith’s career and his impact on Philadelphia. The event was attended by many, including the man of the hour, Will Smith himself. For many, when they think of Philadelphia, Smith’s name instantly comes to mind—especially with the iconic line, “West Philadelphia, born and raised,” from the theme song of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.

A massive mural featuring Smith now adorns the side of a building on the 4500 block of West Girard Avenue, further solidifying his deep connection to the city. Recently, Smith has been on tour promoting his memoir, Will, and even celebrated its launch at The Met in Philadelphia.

The actor, Oscar winner, and Grammy-winning artist is also making waves in the music world. This week, he is set to release his fifth studio album, Based on a True Story, his first music project in two decades. Smith shared that the album was inspired by his journey of self-reflection, and he plans to release three albums this year, each rooted in personal life lessons.

The renaming of North 59th Street and Lancaster Avenue to “Will Smith Way” is a fitting tribute to a man who continues to inspire both the city and the world.