Quinta, A Flower Within the Bloom

“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” — South African President Nelson Mandela.

West Philadelphia, born and raised, will always be a flex for me—especially when my part of the city is watering, nourishing, and blooming products of greatness like Quinta Brunson.

Today, the Philly native—creator and star of ABC’s hit sitcom Abbott Elementary—was given her flowers, with Mayor Cherelle Lesley Parker presenting Quinta with the Key to the City.

City officials and school leaders spoke on the importance of local arts programming and how this project, spearheaded by Brunson, was a community effort. Dr. Torrence Rothmiller, Principal, and Asmeret Easley, Assistant Principal of Andrew Hamilton School, Dr. Tony Watlington, Superintendent of the School District of Philadelphia, Jamie Gauthier, City Council Member, Gabriel Neeld, Art Teacher, and student speaker Glory Melton, Athena Scott, Lead Artist and Jane Golden, Executive Director of Mural Arts Philadelphia all took the stage to discuss impact of the project prior to Mayor Parker.

Closing the series of acknowledgments, Mayor Parker stated, “Quinta, thank you for reminding us that we are all packed with potential and pregnant with possibilities. Thank you for reminding us to never forget about the Joyce Abbotts in our lives.”

She also went on to say,“Quinta, thank you for never allowing anyone to put your Philadelphia grit and resilience in a box. Thank you for remembering our great city on your personal journey to self-discovery.

After receiving her recognition from the city, Quinta—with so much humbleness in her heart—gave a speech to recognize the village that shaped her into the woman she is today. She gave appreciation to her elementary school teacher Joyce Abbott, who is the inspiration behind her hit show, her music teacher Mr. Cannon, former classmates who are now forever friends, and her mother, who was also her kindergarten teacher.

Brunson said,“This city is unique. And I wouldn’t call it the easiest city to grow up in. But the things that help you grow up and get out are incredible role models, teachers, family units… those are the things that make more Quinta Brunsons.

As part of the day’s celebration, Quinta also partnered with Mural Arts to design the mural "Blooming Futures" that now displays beautifully in front of her alma mater, Andrew Hamilton Elementary School, right in the heart of West Philly. Designed by local artist Athena Scott, 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," says Mural Arts Philadelphia.

Quinta reflected on how she got the call from ABC to be part of designing the concept. She shared that ABC initially wanted the mural to feature the cast of Abbott Elementary, but she told them "no." “I don’t want a mural of the fictional characters from Abbott Elementary—I want a mural that reflects the actual community,” Brunson said. She continued, “We have to see ourselves in the big picture—that’s how we know there’s a tomorrow. You don’t need to see famous people painted on the wall. You need to see you, because you are beautiful.”

Quinta’s down-to-earth aura radiated throughout the building, giving that feeling of being home—of knowing she was surrounded by people who look up to her and admire her grit and grind.

Brunson stayed at the event until the very end, signing autographs and taking pictures with beaming fans and even prouder family members. And while those red bottoms were super cute, they definitely weren’t made for standing long periods of time—but Quinta chalked up the foot pain and ended up being one of the last to leave.

Name another celeb that does that. I’ll wait.

🖼️ Did you know Philly—the City of Brotherly Love and Sisterly Affection—has the most murals of any city in the U.S.?

If you’re from the city, drop your favorite mural spot below 👇Or let us know where you think the next one should go!