Issa Rae Becomes First Person To Receive The Key To Inglewood

Issa Rae became the first person ever presented with the key to Inglewood on Saturday.

The Insecure star is the only person in the city’s 114-year history to receive the honor, according to Hollywood Reporter. She appeared at the Taste of Inglewood Festival, where she accepted the key from Mayor James T. Butts.

“I’m a little emotional. I’m trying to be a thug right now,” Rae said in her speech. “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 that so much.”

The actress thanked her family, including her mom, sister, and grandparents, who live in Inglewood. She noted that her parents helped shape her love for the city. 

Rae has highlighted different Inglewood neighborhoods and restaurants all throughout Insecure, along with the reality show Sweet Life: Los Angeles, which she executive produces. The show has filmed in several hotspots around the area. 

Rae, dubbed the “queen on Inglewood” by Butts, is also an investor in Hilltop Coffee and Kitchen, which has grown to three locations.