Latest news with #BloomingFutures
The South African
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- The South African
Quinta Brunson honoured with key to West Philadelphia
Quinta Brunson, the Emmy-winning creator, returned to her roots in West Philadelphia last week for a heartwarming celebration. On 28 May, she was awarded the key to the city by Philadelphia's Mayor Cherelle Parker at her old school, Andrew Hamilton Elementary. The event was filled with pride, laughter, and a deep sense of community. Mayor Parker warmly declared, 'Quinta Brunson, this is your city and you are ours!' handing over the symbolic key amidst cheers from students, family, and local officials, according to BET. Brunson, ever the comedian, joked, 'What does it open?' before reflecting on the moment with gratitude. 'Even when I first walked in the door, I was like, 'Oh, I'm home. I'm home. I'm in Philly,' she said. 'This gym felt so big when I was a kid. Being back here feels like coming home'. The celebration also featured the unveiling of a vibrant new mural titled Blooming Futures on the school's exterior. The mural was created by Philadelphia artist Athena Scott in collaboration with Brunson and Mural Arts Philadelphia. Unlike the original plan to feature characters from Abbott Elementary , Brunson insisted the mural showcase real faces from the community — students, teachers, and neighbours. 'You don't need to see famous people on the wall. You need to see you on the wall. Painted, beautiful. We are beautiful. It makes a difference,' she explained. Brunson's mother, Norma Jean, a former kindergarten teacher in Philadelphia public schools, was present and applauded. Brunson credited her mother and other educators for inspiring the heartfelt stories in Abbott Elementary . 'This woman had five kids, and then she had 30 more in her classroom, and that's what let me know that education is not just a job, it is a lifelong dedication,' she said. Before the event wrapped up, surprised the crowd by pledging R1 million (approximately R 1,000,000) split between two local nonprofits. One supports music education, and another provides fresh groceries to children in need. 'Supporting our kids is everything,' she said. This generous donation reflects her ongoing commitment to uplifting her community. For fans eager for more Abbott Elementary , Quinta Brunson confirmed that the fifth season is already in the works. 'We just started in the writers' room last week,' she shared. 'I'm excited about what's coming next'. Brunson's story is a powerful reminder of the importance of community, education, and representation. Her journey from West Philly to global acclaim shows how local roots can inspire worldwide success. As she said, 'We have to see ourselves in the big picture. That's how we know there's a tomorrow. That's how we know there's a community to take care of'. In a world craving authentic stories and role models, Quinta Brunson shines as a beacon of hope and pride. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
Black America Web
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Black America Web
Philly To Give Quinta Brunson Keys To The City
Black America Web Featured Video CLOSE Source: Gilbert Flores / Getty Quinta Brunson set her hit show Abbott Elementary in Philadelphia, based on her mother's four-decade career as a teacher. Now, the city is honoring her with a key ceremony and a mural on her elementary school. Brunso will receive the keys to the city in a May 28 ceremony, which Philadelphia's first female mayor, Cherelle Parker, will oversee. 'I am so grateful to be receiving the key to my hometown, Philly,' Brunson said in a statement. 'This city shaped me, and now I get to give back with a mural that celebrates all it gave me. I am truly honored.' Abbott Elementary was renewed for its fifth season in January. The show has enjoyed critical acclaim for Brunson, who won an Emmy for Outstanding Writing in a Comedy Series in 2022 and for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series in 2023. She was the first Black woman to win in that category in four decades. The sitcom's cast includes Tyler James Williams ( Everybody Hates Chris), veteran actress Sheryl Lee Ralph (who won her first Emmy as Outstanding Supporting Actress for her role in 2022), Janelle James, and Lisa Ann Walter. It takes place in a fictional elementary school in West Philadelphia starring Brunson as idealistic teacher Jeanine Teagues, who despite funding woes and the incompetence of principal Ava Coleman (played by James) is trying to do the best for her students. Philadelphia's Mural Arts program has given the city the distinction of having the most public art in the world. They collaborated with the Greater Philadelphia Film Office to put the event together. The new mural on West Philly's Alexander Hamilton School is called 'Blooming Futures,' honoring Brunson and the school's manifesto of upholding rigorous learning standards for student development. 'The City of Philadelphia is beyond grateful to have someone as inspiring and compassionate as Quinta Brunson,' Parker said. '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. It goes without saying that education and representation matter. She added, 'As our young people look for role models, may they find inspiration in dream chasers and change makers like Quinta Brunson. 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.' As for the show, all the prominent cast members are likely to return, along with some newer ones, including Orlando Jones, who plays William's character's father, and Matthew Law, who appeared in Season 4 as Ava's love interest. Abbott Elementary airs live on ABC on Wednesdays at 8:30 ET, and can also be seen on Hulu and other streaming platforms that support live TV. SEE ALSO Philly To Give Quinta Brunson Keys To The City was originally published on
