Quinta Brunson to Receive Keys to the City of Philadelphia, as ‘Abbott Elementary’-Inspired Mural is Unveiled (EXCLUSIVE)

“Abbott Elementary” star and exec producer Quinta Brunson is about to be given the keys to her hometown of Philadelpha. As part of a celebration set to take place on Wednesday, May 28, Brunson wil receive the key to the city from Mayor Cherelle L. Parker just as the star also helps dedicate an original mural at her elementary alma mater, Andrew Hamilton School.

That school inspired ABC’s and Warner Bros. TV’s “Abbott Elementary,” in which Brunson plays idealistic teacher Janine Teagues. The mural, titled “Blooming Futures,” was designed by local artist Athena Scott and created “with input from Hamilton school students and staff whom she met with for inspiration. The new mural highlights the allegory of the school as a garden, with the tenacious educators serving as stewards of a fertile and growing student population,” according to the press announcement.

Scott, Hamilton teachers and students, and representatives from Mural Arts, the Philadelphia City Council and the School District of Philadelphia will speak at the event. Mural Arts, which was featured in a Season 2 episode of “Abbott,” is focused on arts education.

“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.”

Mural Arts and the Greater Philadelphia Film Office are behind the honors, which is also being co-produced by the Office of the City Representative and Special Events, led by City Representative Jazelle Jones.

“Art has the power to honor the past, celebrate the present, and inspire the future,” said Jane Golden, executive director of Mural Arts Philadelphia. “‘Blooming Futures’ beautifully captures the spirit of ‘Abbott Elementary’ and the enduring impact of dedicated educators like those at Andrew Hamilton School, whose influence shapes generations. Quinta Brunson’s work is a powerful love letter to the city of Philadelphia, and we are deeply grateful for her unwavering commitment to inspiring young people, uplifting our city, and supporting Mural Arts Philadelphia.”

Added Philadelphia mayor Parker: “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. 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. 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.”