No one represents the city of Inglewood harder than Issa Rae. On Saturday, she was awarded the key to her beloved city, becoming the first person in its 114-year history to receive the honor.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, the Insecure star appeared at the Taste of Inglewood festival to accept the key from Mayor James T. Butts, who nominated her “the queen of Inglewood.”
In her speech, the 37-year-old confessed, “I’m a little emotional. I’m trying to be a thug right now. The mayor really kind of flabbergasted me in that this is the first key in 114 years, so that’s a huge honor. I just want to thank you all so much for your support — thank you to the mayor, thank you to the city of Inglewood for making it so easy for us to film here, for helping us showcase this city that I love so much.”
Rae expressed her love for the city by highlighting neighborhoods and restaurants during Insecure’s five-year run on HBO. She also served as executive producer on HBO Max’s Sweet Life: Los Angeles, a reality show based on Black men and women in their 20’s living in South LA.
“I have to give love to my grandparents who have lived here, have lived in Briarwood for a long time, and who established my first point of view of Inglewood and loved the city themselves; my mom and my sister who live here actively and just for being here,” she continued. “I have to give a shout-out to my collaborators and my company members at Hoorae who have come out here to support me. I’m truly honored to receive this. I will always put on for my city: Inglewood, South L.A., stand up.”
In Inglewood this afternoon, 24 hours before Super Bowl kickoff at SoFi across the street, as Issa Rae is given the key to the city. It’s the first one given in Inglewood’s 100+ year history pic.twitter.com/AXAVD6RnTl
— Kirsten Chuba (@KirstenChuba) February 12, 2022
The media mogul accepted the prestigious honor across the street from Inglewood’s SoFi Stadium, where Super Bowl LVI was held on Sunday.
Rae’s character, Issa Dee, manifested the surreal moment when she had a vision of accepting the key to the city from mayor Tyra Banks during the show’s final season.
In addition to the Inglewood native’s accomplishments, she recently partnered with Airbnb to provide fans with a chance to enjoy Valentine’s Day weekend by renting out her South LA home for $56 a night from Saturday, Feb. 12, to Valentine’s Day on Monday, Feb. 14, Sis2Sis reported.
“The streets, sights and sounds of my hometown have long been a main character in my creative work. You may have heard that I’m rooting for everybody black — and this mission is inspired by my L.A. community. During this epic weekend, I hope you come to appreciate my community’s rich history and its many contributions to L.A.”
Congratulations Queen!
