kevin hart

Kevin Hart was celebrated in his childhood neighborhood yesterday.

Philadelphia is honoring one of her native sons with a commemorative occasion and no small amount of fanfare. Kevin Hart, comedian and entertainer, was born and raised in North Philadelphia. He has never forgotten where he comes from. Over the years, Hart has donated hundreds  of thousands of dollars to the Philadelphia School System. Councilman David Oh, who led the celebration, told Essence Magazine about Hart’s generosity: “He’s giving $400,000 to our schools and is really a top-notch entertainer. He is really a great example of someone who came from my neighborhood without any help, found his own talent, had faith in himself. It worked out really well.”

kevin hart

Kevin Hart was celebrated in his childhood neighborhood yesterday.

July 6th was officially declared “Kevin Hart Day.” The date is significant because it’s also the comedian and actor’s birthday. To celebrate, his neighborhood held a celebration with cake, food, games and various activities. Hart was in attendance at the event along with his family. The event was free and public for all to attend. Performances by local talent included Philadelphia entertainers Freeway, Chill Moody, The International DJ Casper and Bria Marie.

In addition, Hart was also celebrated with art. According to Essence: “Mural Arts Philadelphia also created a mural of Hart to honor the actor, a portrait painted on Max’s Cheesesteaks, a block away from Hart’s childhood home.” Max’s is at the intersection of Germantown and Erie Avenues.

Hart said that the day was a reflection for himself on how he’s aimed over the years to make himself better: “I make sure I conduct and carry myself in a professional manner so I can be constantly viewed in a positive light,” he told CBS3’s Ukee Washington. “I don’t ever want that light to shine in a different direction where you find yourself back-treading and messing up a lot of the concrete you’ve laid down already.”