The Abbott Elementary creator returned to her West Philly roots Wednesday, where Mayor Cherelle Parker handed her the city’s highest honor.
Imagine getting the key to your city, not just anywhere, but right at your old elementary school, the very place that inspired your Emmy-winning show! That’s exactly what happened to the brilliant Quinta Brunson, creator and star of “Abbott Elementary,” as Philadelphia rolled out the red carpet to honor its own.
On Wednesday, Quinta Brunson returned to her roots at Andrew Hamilton School in West Philadelphia, her alma mater, which famously inspired the setting of “Abbott Elementary.” Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker was on hand to present Quinta Brunson with the prestigious key to the city. And in true comedic fashion, she, gazing at the shiny key, quipped, “Wow! I want to ask the question on everybody’s mind: What does it open?” We’re all wondering the same thing, Quinta!
The celebration didn’t stop there. The event also featured the unveiling of a vibrant new mural, “Blooming Features,” which now wraps around the school’s red brick façade. This isn’t just any mural; it was created by artist Athena Scott with direct input from Brunson herself, along with Hamilton students and staff. Its brightly colored depictions feature real people from the school community, a detail that was incredibly important to Brunson.
Brunson took inspiration from the murals she saw on her subway route as a kid, especially recalling the impact of seeing one of her own teachers featured. She hopes this new mural will have the same powerful effect on today’s students.
In fact, she even nixed an initial mock-up from ABC that featured actors from “Abbott Elementary” in favor of actual community members because, as she powerfully stated, “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. It made a difference for me, so I know even if it makes a difference for just one child, that one child matters.”
Beyond the key and the mural, Brunson also used the ceremony to make a significant impact, donating $50,000 to two local charities: one dedicated to supporting music education and another providing fresh groceries to children in the community.
Jane Golden, executive director of Mural Arts Philadelphia, expressed her excitement about Brunson featuring her organization on an episode of the show. And it makes perfect sense, as Philadelphia proudly holds the title of No. 1 in the nation for its murals.
What an inspiring moment for Philadelphia and public education everywhere!
