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List of Keys to the City in the United States

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

List of Keys to the City in the United States
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This is a list of Keys to the City awarded in the United States.

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The Great Seal of the United States.

Alabama

Alabaster

  • October 12, 2015: Bobby Joe Seales, local historian[1]
  • October 15, 2018: Mayo Taylor, first African-American city council member[2]

Bay Minette

Birmingham

Boaz

  • June 14, 2019: Richard Glazier, sawmill owner[6]

Brewton

Cullman

  • November 10, 2017: Roy Drinkard, developer and Marine[8]

Gadsden

Hoover

Huntsville

Mobile

Mountain Brook

  • September 23, 2019: Kevin Alexander, local dentist[21]
  • January 18, 2022: Rodney Davis, local chef and tavern employee[22]

Orange Beach

Phenix City

Scottsboro

  • 1984: John Glenn, astronaut and politician[25]
  • October 24, 2022: Gary Stewart, town council member[26]

Selma

  • May 5, 2023: Daryl D. Thomas, accountant[27]

Tallassee

Troy

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Alaska

Homer

Kodiak

Palmer

Wasilla

  • September 22, 2011: Landon Swank, illusionist[33]

California

Anaheim

Antioch

  • December 12, 2022: Bianca Palomera, restaurant worker who lost an eye in an attack after defending a disabled customer[35]

Artesia

Bakersfield

  • October 29, 1988: Pelé, soccer player[37]
  • July 30, 2012: John and Joe Lanni, restaurateurs[38]

Beverly Hills

  • September 2, 2010: Entertainment mogul family The Kardashian–Jenner family and radio host Larry King were awarded the key to the city of Beverly Hills, the award date falling (by design) on a day designated by the city's famous zip code, 90210.[39]
  • October 18, 2022: Charles Aronberg, former mayor and physician[40]

Blythe

Burbank

  • August 22, 2017: Adam Schiff, state representative[42]
  • May 2021: Mickey DePalo, local community worker[43]

Clearlake

  • December 21, 2022: Andrew White, retired local police chief[44]

Coachella

Coalinga

  • December 6, 2018: Nathan Vosburg, outgoing mayor of Coalinga[47]

Compton

Corona

Coronado

  • July 1, 2020: Donna Salof, community worker and philanthropist[51]

Cypress

Daly City

Danville

Desert Hot Springs

Diamond Bar

Elk Grove

  • June 18, 2014: Kyle Larson, race car driver[58]
  • December 10, 2014: Jim Cooper, city council member[59]
  • November 6, 2015: Lance Briggs, football player for the Chicago Bears[60]
  • May 28, 2016: Josephine Finley Prince, local centenarian[61]
  • August 27, 2016: Elizabeth Pinkerton, educator, author, and local historian[62]
  • May 14, 2017: Ann Pinto, local centenarian[63]
  • May 24, 2017: Leo Fassler, community member[64]
  • August 26, 2017: Donald Ralph, Air Force commander[65]
  • August 26, 2017: Karissa Trinchera, Special Olympics swimmer[66]
  • August 26, 2017: Mathilde Mukantabana, Rwandan ambassador to the US[67]
  • August 26, 2017: Roy Herburger, news reporter[68]
  • December 26, 2017: Bertha Weber Kraus, local centenarian[69]
  • March 8, 2018: Joseph Sieber, local centenarian[70]
  • May 16, 2018: Samuel Rinelli, local centenarian[71]
  • May 17, 2018: Jamie Whitmore, paracyclist[72]
  • June 2, 2018: Emma Virginia Fife, local centenarian[73]
  • July 15, 2018: Chalmers Gage, local centenarian[74]
  • December 28, 2018: Lydia Christina Wacker, local centenarian[75]
  • February 27, 2019: Joey Hand, racing driver[76]
  • July 29, 2019: Maureen Gertrude Gabriel, local centenarian[77]
  • October 3, 2022: Candido Montalbano, local centenarian[78]

Indio

Inglewood

Lancaster

  • April 30, 2015: Matt Anderson, Gateway Teacher of the Year 2015[citation needed]

La Puente

Long Beach

Los Angeles

Oakland

Richmond

Ridgecrest

  • July 22, 2022: Doug Lueck, community worker[97]

Sacramento

San Bernardino

San Diego

San Francisco

Santa Cruz

Seaside

  • February 16, 2022: Helen Rucker, community activist[123]

Stockton

Vallejo

Watts

  • May 24, 2019: Rapper, Grammy Award winner, and Watts native Jay Rock received the key to the city from council member Joe Buscaino.[129]

West Covina

  • November 17, 2015: The cast and crew of television series Crazy Ex-Girlfriend were awarded with the key to the city of West Covina, the onsite shooting location heavily satirized in the show.[130][131] A replica of the key was used as a central prop in a season 1 episode and was featured in the protagonist's office afterwards.[132] It currently is on display in the office of series co-creator Aline Brosh McKenna.[133]

West Hollywood

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Connecticut

Ansonia

Bridgeport

Danbury

  • June 2014: Nancy Sudik, director of the Danbury Music Center[141]
  • November 16, 2021: Glover Teixeira, mixed martial artist[142]

Hartford

Middletown

  • May 29, 2009: Joseph W. Waz, Jr., business executive and native son[citation needed]

Milford

New Britain

New Haven

  • December 30, 2019: Local police chief Anthony Duff, WNBA basketball player Bria Holmes, local teacher Malcolm Welfare, community worker Clarence Boyd, journalist and media mogul Veronica Douglas-Givan, entertainment chef Gordon Ramsay as well as, political activist George Mention, columnist James Walker, realtor Roberta Hoskie, local high school guidance supervisor Cynthia Beaver, and doctor Tamiko Jackson McArthur[149]

North Haven

  • October 28, 2022: Kostyantyn and Olga Yermakov, Ukrainian married couple and refugees[150]
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Delaware

Wilmington

District of Columbia

Washington, D.C.

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Florida

Bradenton

Cape Coral

  • December 13, 2015: Jessica Lynch, Prisoner of War, Private First Class (2001 - 2003), was honored and presented with the key to the city of Cape Coral, Florida by Mayor Marni Sawicki at a private dinner held at the Southwest Florida Military Museum & Library with both special and surprise guests in attendance. This was a private event closed to both the public and media.[160]

Clearwater

Coral Gables

  • 31 August 2018: Jesús Permuy, architect and Cuban community leader. Presented by Coral Gables Mayor Raul Valdes-Fauli during a ceremony in the office of Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen. Other participants in the presentation ceremony were Ros-Lehtinen, former Coral Gables Mayor Don Slesnick, and former Miami Mayor Tomás Regalado.[164]

Doral

Dunedin

Fort Lauderdale

Fort Myers

Gainesville

Key West

  • December 20, 1955: Ethel Waters, singer and actress, was presented with the key to the city on the set of Carib Gold, a film in which she starred.[170]
  • December 28, 1955: Dwight D. Eisenhower, 34th President of the United States, received the key to the city during a 12-day vacation in Key West.[171]
  • May 22, 1956: Estes Kefauver, U.S. Senator, was given the key to the city while campaigning to be nominated the Democratic presidential candidate.[172]
  • February 23, 1957: Harry S. Truman, 33rd President of the United States, received the key to the city and was made honorary chairman of the board of county commissioners.[173]
  • July 14, 2004: Rosie O'Donnell, comedian and LGBT rights activist, was given the key to the city during the inaugural voyage of her cruise line, R Family Vacations.[174]

Lakeland

Miami

  • 1976: 1st 1 Millionth Passenger ever thru the Port of Miami presented Key to the City of Miami to Deborah Manika.
  • 1981: Musical group The Jacksons received keys to the city of Miami.
  • 2004: The mayors of Miami-Dade County and the city officially welcomed Shaquille O'Neal and presented him with the keys to the city before a press conference was held in the American Airlines Arena.[176]
  • August 9, 2004: Rap Superstar Lil' Kim was awarded the key to the city of Miami (her place of residence at the time) for her contributions to the world of Hip Hop.[177]
  • December 6, 2006: Superstar Shakira was awarded the key to the city of Miami for playing 5 shows in AmericanAirlines Arena in one tour, a record she still owns till date.
  • August 19, 2009: Miami Commissioner Tomás Regalado presented Armando Perez (aka Pitbull) with the key to the city during a morning ceremony.[178]
  • April 13, 2013: Mayor Matti Bower presented the Key to pop singer Adam Lambert for "being brave enough to be openly gay on American Idol."[179]
  • July 8, 2013: María Corina Machado, Venezuelan opposition leader[180]
  • August 20, 2013: José Sulaimán, president of the World Boxing Council[181]
  • September 15, 2013: Henrique Capriles Radonski, Venezuelan opposition leader[165]
  • October 29, 2018: Trevor Noah receives key to city and official city proclamation declaring October 29, 2018 Trevor Noah Day.
  • August 27, 2019: Mayor Francis Suarez presented the Key to the City of Miami to Natalie Martinez.
  • November 15, 2019: Mayor Francis Suarez presented the Key to the City of Miami to Jonathan Davis
  • January 12, 2020: Mayor Francis Suarez presented the Key to the City of Miami to Will Smith and Martin Lawrence, and were named honorary police officers of the Miami Police Department
  • September 28, 2021: Mayor Francis Suarez presented the Key to the City of Miami to Conor McGregor.
  • October 6, 2021: Mayor Francis Suarez presented the Key to the City of Miami to Teresa Murphy.
  • October 6, 2021: Mayor Francis Suarez presented the Key to the City of Miami to the 2018 Miami Dade County Francisco R. Walker Teacher of the Year Rudy Diaz.
  • May 6, 2023: Mayor Francis Suarez presented the Key to the City of Miami to the Nelk boys (Kyle, Steiny and Bradley Martyn).

North Miami

Ocala

Orlando

Pensacola

Sarasota

  • April 25, 2013: Paul Thorpe, Sarasota citizen and founding memember of the Downtown Association of Sarasota[189]
  • September 11, 2013: Diana Ross, singer and actress[190]

St. Petersburg

Tallahassee

  • November 14, 2018: Joshua Quick, awarded key to the city by Mayor Gillum for confronting and attempting to stop a shooter at a yoga studio.
  • January 9, 2023: DJ DEMP, awarded the key to the city by Mayor John E. Dailey for Outstanding Service to the City of Tallahassee.

Tampa

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Georgia

Franklin Springs

Milton

  • 2007: The original Governor's Commission for the City of Milton (Ron Wallace, Brandon Beach, Gregory Mishkin, Dan Phalan and Cecil Pruitt) was awarded the key to the city of Milton in recognition of their work in the creation of the city. They were also presented a proclamation that officially declares December 1 as "Commissioning Day" in honor of their achievements and recognizes the five men as the "Founding Fathers" of the city.[192]

Dawsonville

Taylorsville

Warner Robins

  • 1980: Major William Donald "Bud" Nelson of the Canadian Military was presented the key to the city for his role in rescuing six American diplomats who had evaded capture during the seizure of the United States embassy in Tehran, Iran, on November 4, 1979. It was dubbed the Canadian Caper.
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Hawaii

Honolulu

Illinois

Chicago

North Chicago

Springfield

Bensenville

  • June 22, 2018: Village President Frank DeSimone, Village Manager Evan K. Summers, and Chief of Police Frank Kosman, presented Keys to the Village to Cónsul General Billy Adolfo José Muñoz Miranda and Vice Cónsul Brenda Paz de Ghassemi from the Consulate General of Guatemala.[205]

Sterling

  • December 23, 2024: Mayor Diana Merdian awarded the Key to the City of Sterling to former Nebraska Cornhusker volleyball player and current LOVB Omaha player Lexi Rodriguez.[206]
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Indiana

Gary

Indianapolis

Salem

  • November 11, 1999: Disability advocate Gary Gambino received the key to the city of Salem from Mayor Douglas Campbell.

South Bend

Evansville

  • April 23, 2009: Singer-songwriter Taylor Swift was presented with the key to Evansville as thanks for choosing Evansville as the opening night her 2009-2010 Fearless Tour.

Terre Haute

Iowa

Des Moines

Kansas

Lyons

  • April 2022: Marshall Christmann, received the Key to the city for 20 plus years of philanthropic contributions to people of Lyons, Kansas, and for numerous negotiations between governmental agencies for those same citizens, Presented by Mayor Dustin Schultz.[212]

Kentucky

Bowling Green

Louisville

  • 1975: Helen Humes, musician, received the key to the city for her extensive musical career.[214]
  • 1990s: Frederick Cease, soldier, received the key to the city for his extensive military service.[215]
  • July, 2000: Nancy Johnson Barker, singer, received the key to the city after the 25th anniversary of the Kentucky Music Weekend Festival.[216]
  • 2002: Ivor Chodkowski, farmer, received the key to the city for working to start a farmer's market in Louisville's "food desert."[217]
  • September 24, 2002: Montgomery Gentry, musicians, received the key to the city for their musical career.[218]
  • January 2010: Sam Leist, lawyer, received the key to the city for his career in public service.[219]
  • March 12, 2016: Bryson Tiller, singer, received the key to the city by the city's mayor, Greg Fischer, as well as a holiday on March 12, called "Bryson Tiller Day." This all occurred at his T R A P S O U L concert.[220]
  • April 5, 2016: Awadeya Mahmoud, human rights worker, received the key to the city by Greg Fischer, upon her receiving the International Women of Courage Award.[221]
  • June 29, 2016: John Rabun, social worker, received the key to the city by Greg Fischer, for his work as the head of the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.[222]
  • January 10, 2017: Bob Beatty, American football Coach, received the key to the city by Greg Fischer, after winning Trinity High School's 24th state football title.[223]

Williamsburg

Louisiana

New Orleans

  • November 21, 2006: Kentucky-New Orleans Architecture Studio was awarded the key to the city of New Orleans for its work on restoration and re-design efforts of Mickey Markey Park in Bywater.[225]
  • April 26, 2007: The Harris County Hospital District was awarded the key to the city in recognition of its efforts to provide health care to Hurricane Katrina evacuees at its Astrodome Clinic in September 2005.[226]
  • June 2008: Atlanta native, R&B Singer Usher awarded the key to the city for his effort and dedication to help rebuild New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina.[227]
  • September 25, 2011: Former New Orleans Saints safety Steve Gleason was granted the key to the city for his blocked punt against the Atlanta Falcons in the Saints' first home game after Hurricane Katrina.[228]
  • September 17, 2018: August 21, 2018: Beyoncé and Jay-Z received the key to the city for their philanthropy work and impact on popular culture.[229]
  • May 20, 2019: Jesseca Dupart was awarded the key to the city to recognize the philanthropy and business she had contributed to in the area.[230]
  • November 2, 2024: Lil Wayne, during the Lil WeezyAna Fest, received a key to the city from New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell.[231][232]

Maine

Portland

  • March, 2003: Dr Gerry McKenna, President of the University of Ulster, in recognition of promoting research and economic linkages between Northern Ireland and Maine[233]
  • July 13, 2008: moe., a band from upstate New York, was presented the key to the city in recognition of a two-day fundraising concert they organised for the Preble Street Resource Center.[234]
  • June 13, 2014: Evander Holyfield, American Boxer[235]
  • November 4, 2023: Twisted Roots, Rock band[236]

Maryland

Baltimore

Hagerstown

Pocomoke City

Massachusetts

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Plaque from the Key to the City given to Joseph L. Wyckoff for working with the Legislature to petition the annexation of Mount Tom and Smith's Ferry for the city of Holyoke

Brockton

  • September 29, 1980: Boxer Marvin Hagler was crowned World Middleweight Champion of September 27, and received the key to the city on his return to his hometown.[242]

Dedham

Holyoke

  • July 21, 1909: Mayor Nathan P. Avery awarded Joseph Lewis Wyckoff the Key to the city, "through whose militant energy the boundaries of their city were so extended by the Legislature of 1909 as to include within them not only himself but the whole of the ancient hamlet known as Smith's Ferry."[244]
  • April 27, 2018: Mayor Alex B. Morse presented Carmen Yulín Cruz the Key to the city to honor that "in such a time of despair [she] provided a beacon of hope and opportunity for Puerto Ricans".[245]

Worcester

Michigan

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Albion

Detroit

  • October 13, 1963: In honor of (the since past) holiday “Paper Boy Day” Jerry Wayne Gresham at age 16 was the youngest person to receive the key to the city of Detroit (& possibly the first) by then mayor Cavanagh.
  • September 26, 1974: Stevie Wonder, renowned Motown recording artist was awarded a key to the city by then Mayor Coleman Young.[248]
  • August 1975: Horace Jackson, filmmaker, was honored with a key to the city for his film Deliver Us From Evil with Detroit City Council member Emma Henderson stating "Mr. Jackson has produced a film the entire family can enjoy" and recognized him one of the pioneers of Black films in the sixties and seventies.[249]
  • 1980: Saddam Hussein, Iraqi President at that time, was awarded the key to the city by Mayor Coleman Young, for having donated hundreds of thousands of dollars to a local church.[250][251]
  • January 31, 2006: Detroit native Jerome Bettis was awarded the key to the city by Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick days before his Super Bowl win.[252][253]
  • January 2, 2007: Steve Yzerman received the key to the city after his retirement and having his jersey retired.[254]
  • January 27, 2010: Elmo received the key to the city from Mayor David Bing during a visit with kids at Children's Hospital of Michigan.[255]
  • October 22, 2014: Berry Gordy received the key to the city from Mayor Mike Duggan for his work of Motown
  • April 1, 2017: Big Sean received the key to the city from Mayor Mike Duggan for setting up a foundation called "Mogul Prep" that teaches kids all the behind the scenes jobs available in the music industry.
  • June 15, 2018: Jackson 5 members, Jackie, Tito, Jermaine, Marlon & Michael were honored with keys to the city at the Detroit Music Weekend festival.[256]
  • February 29, 2020: Members of the Detroit Youth Choir received keys to the city.

August 27, 2024 :Zambrecia Works receive a key to the city of Detroit in honor of all her charitable work and serving the community in various ways.

  • February 26, 2023: DJ Leo Alton received a key to the city for his charitable work with the Detroit Community.

Flint

Jackson

  • 2023: Pastor James Hines and businessman and philanthropist Al Glick of Alro Steel received keys to the city from Mayor Daniel Mahoney. Glick received the award posthumously.[259]

Kalamazoo

  • December 17, 2018: Kalamazoo native Julian Ravi Cosmin Borst receive the key to the city of Kalamazoo from former Mayor Bobby J Hopewell, for the three gold medals he won in the national games of the Special Olympics.
  • November 11, 2019 Longtime members of the Kalamazoo City Commission, Bobby Hopewell and Don Cooney, had their final meeting as members of the commission Monday night and received keys to the city during proclamations to honor them by new Mayor David Anderson

Sault Sainte Marie

Traverse City

  • 2005: Traverse City native Carter Oosterhouse received a key to the city from Mayor Linda Smyka.

Missouri

Jefferson City

• Muralist Ray Harvey receives Hannibal, MO key to the city on November 7, 2023 recognizing his work in Hannibal concerning 25 completed murals.

Nevada

Fernley

Las Vegas

  • 1999: Lebanese recording artist Fairuz received the key to the city of Las Vegas[263]
  • October 25, 2003: Artist Michael Jackson received keys to the city of Las Vegas from Mayor Oscar Goodman.[264]
  • 2007: Lord Taylor of Warwick received the Key to Las Vegas as well as every September there is an official Lord Taylor of Warwick Day.[265][better source needed]
  • 2012: Canadian, business person, Elise Diker received the key to the city of Las Vegas gifted by her husband & international philanthropist, Mark Diker and Mayor Oscar Goodman in honor of her passion and love for the city.
  • 2012: Lebanese recording artist Nancy Ajram received the key to the city of Las Vegas.[266]
  • 2012: Legendary Reggae Group Black Uhuru (Ducky Simpson) was honored with the key to the city of Las Vegas and August 31 was officially declared Black Uhuru Day in Las Vegas.
  • 2014: On October 24, Small business owner, HIV/AIDS Activist & Trevor Project Supervisor saving over 200 GLBTQ lives from suicide Bobby A Townsend-Valenzuela) was honored, and received the key to the State of Nevada and the key to the City of Las Vegas
  • 2014: On November 5, American singer Britney Spears was honored, and received the key to the city of Las Vegas.[267]
  • 2015: Professional baseball players Bryce Harper and Kris Bryant received keys to the city of Las Vegas
  • 2016: Professional DJ, record producer, radio personality, and record label executive DJ Khaled received keys to the city of Las Vegas
  • 2016: Property Brothers' Jonathan and Drew Scott earn receive keys to the city of Las Vegas after their contributions towards charity
  • 2017: On September 3, Ultralight Team members and creators of Bats & Butterflies LV, Anthony C. Flores and Isaiah J. LaBelle received keys to the city of Las Vegas
  • 2018: On July 6, UFC president Dana White received keys to the city of Las Vegas[268]
  • April 30, 2019: Panic! at the Disco vocalist Brendon Urie received the key to the city of Las Vegas for his accomplishments in music.
  • September 6, 2019: Pop rock band Imagine Dragons received the key to Las Vegas in honor of their musical accomplishment and charity work towards fighting pediatric cancer with the Tyler Robinson Foundation.
  • May 2, 2019: James Holzhauer was awarded a key to the Las Vegas Strip for his success on Jeopardy! and donations to children's charity organizations and other nonprofit organizations in the Las Vegas area.[269]
  • April 16, 2022: Viva Las Vegas Rockabilly Weekend promoter Tom Ingram was presented with a ceremonial key to Las Vegas at The Orleans Hotel & Casino[270]
  • April 22, 2022: RuPaul received the keys to the city for his unprecedented career in showbusiness and for making RuPaul’s Drag Race Live! one of the hottest shows on the Las Vegas Strip. The day was also proclaimed RuPaul Day.
  • June 8, 2022: Katy Perry was awarded the keys for Las Vegas Strip in the honor of her residency "PLAY".[271]
  • July 5, 2022: Australia's Thunder from Down Under received the keys to the city after 20 years of their Las Vegas Residency.[272]
  • June 22, 2023: Anetra received the keys to the city for outstandingly representing Las Vegas drag queens on RuPaul's Drag Race's fifteenth season. Making June 22 Anetra day.
  • October 17, 2023: Usher, musician[273]
  • March 2, 2024: U2 received a key to the Las Vegas Strip prior to the final show of their U2:UV Achtung Baby Live at Sphere concert residency.[274]
  • October 30, 2024: Justin Woo and Lydia Ansel of Vegas Justice League received a Key to The Las Vegas Strip by Sheriff Kevin McMahill and Commissioner Michael Naft[275]

New Jersey

Atlantic City

  • c. 1927-1930: Arthur A. Quinn, state senator and union leader[276]
  • June 21, 2013: Mallory Hagan, winner of Miss America 2013[277]
  • July 20, 2019: Ronny Colson American Grammy Award winning music producer
  • July 20, 2019: Luke Witherspoon III, American Music Producer, Philanthropist.

Camden County

Englewood

Hoboken

Jersey City

Newark

  • 2016: Professor Don Jacob, Martial Artist, Grandmaster

Paterson

New York

Buffalo

  • November 6, 1981: To symbolize the city’s appreciation for Triumph’s music and loyalty to Buffalo, Mayor James D. Griffin presented the Key and certificate of commemoration to members Rik Emmett and Gil Moore. In exchange, the band gifted Mayor Griffin with an official Allied Forces tour jacket.[286]
  • May 19, 2009: Terrell Owens received the key to the city of Buffalo with the provisions that he catch a minimum of 10 touchdown passes for the Buffalo Bills and lead the team into the NFL Playoffs.[287] He caught 5 touchdowns and the Bills did not make the playoffs.
  • November 6, 2014: Terry Pegula received the key to the city of Buffalo, as a result of his purchase of the Buffalo Sabres, Buffalo Bills and Buffalo Bandits professional sports teams and his construction of the HarborCenter complex.[288]

Mount Vernon

New York

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Keys to New York City 1991

Oyster Bay

Rochester

  • June 25, 1968: Borussia Dortmund, a German professional association football team.[316]
  • June 17, 1973: Pelé, Brazilian professional footballer[317]
  • June 3, 2013: The Rochester Knighthawks, a professional lacrosse team[318]
  • April 23, 2016: Beverly Bond, producer, writer, serial entrepreneur, philanthropist and celebrity DJ, received a key to the city for her contribution to the African American community by empowering and positively impacting the lives of young Black girls through her organization-Black Girls Rock!
  • March 19, 2019: John P. Schreiber received the Key to the City of Rochester, N.Y. for his 30 years of dedicated service to the city, culminating as Fire Chief or "Car 1". Under his watch, Rochester became an ISO Class 1 city for fire protection, making the Rochester Fire Department one of the best in the country.

Binghamton

  • August 12, 2007: Dusan Vemic, a professional tennis player on the ATP world tour was given a key to the city in recognition of his fair play and contribution to the sport.
  • September 28, 2016: Albert Fiori, Doug Kumpon, Ed Staff, Fred Teribury, and Chris White were all given a key to the city in recognition of saving the life of a person trapped inside a burning vehicle.[319]
  • November 22, 2021: John Hughes, Jr, owner of the Binghamton Rumble Ponies was given a key to the city in recognition of stopping the Minor League Baseball team from relocating in 2015 and working with Major League Baseball, the New York Mets and elected officials from the State of New York assuring affiliated Minor League Baseball in Binghamton, NY for decades to come.

North Carolina

Boone

  • January 21, 1980: Special Olympics North Carolina[320]
  • July 5, 1983: The Motor Maids[321]

Charlotte

Hickory

High Point

  • Billy Quick, a High Point native and a Special Olympics athlete and ambassador.[324]
  • October 13, 2017: Kathy Ireland, American model and actress, turned author and entrepreneur; received the key from High Point mayor Bill Bencini.[325]
  • December 3, 2023: Danny and Dolly Jennings were given a Key to the city from High Point Mayor Jay Wagner. This was in honor of all they have done for High Point. They are owners of Bicycle Toy and Hobby Sales.
  • June 16, 2024:Fantasia Barrino was given a key to the city in honor of her music career

Huntersville

Wilmington

  • June 20, 2013: Stephen King, author, was awarded the Key to the City at an advance screening of the CBS series Under the Dome, based on a novel by King.[327]

Ohio

Akron

Columbus

  • May 26, 2005: Fatty Koo, singers songwriter Music group
  • Jan 26, 2025: Ryan Day, Ohio State Head Coach, 2025 National Champion

Toledo

  • 1896: Guy G. Major Mayor of Toledo Presented with all brass key to the city.
  • 1962: Glass Key to the City of Toledo, Don Constantino de la Cruz-Sanchez, President of the Chamber of Commerce of Toledo (Spain, Europe).
  • May 13, 2010: Crystal Bowersox, singer-songwriter and actress, was given the key to the city after reaching the finals of American Idol.[329]
  • August 28, 2022: Larry Fuller, jazz pianist from Toledo, Ohio, was given the glass key to the city “For Excellence in Jazz Music and Headlining the Inaugural Glass City Jazz Festival”.

Cincinnati

Cleveland

Dayton

  • 2023: Dr. Derrick L. Foward, American Civil Rights Activist. Awarded the Key to the city for his Civil and Human Rights work throughout Nation, the State of Ohio and the City of Dayton.[336]
    Thumb
    Dayton Mayor Jeffery J. Mims, Jr. Presents Dayton NAACP President Dr Derrick L. Foward With a Key to the City on May 3, 2023
  • 2023: Edwin C. Moses, Olympian.[337]
Thumb
Dayton Mayor Jeffery J. Mims, Jr. Presents Olympian Edwin C. Moses a Key to the City of Dayton

Warren

Oklahoma

Oklahoma City

  • June 13, 2022: Russell Westbrook, American basketball player, received a key to the city from Mayor David Holt.
  • May 14, 2019: Kristin Chenoweth, American actress and singer.[343]

Tulsa

  • March 18, 2010: Robert Meachem, NFL Football Player.[344]
  • June 27, 2017: Iesha-LaShay Phillips received a key to the city of Tulsa, OK for addressing societal issues and trying to better her city. Mayor Bynum also declared June 27 "Iesha Phillips Day" in Tulsa, Oklahoma.[345][346]
  • October 8, 2022: Employees of Saint Francis Health System collectively received a single key to the city for their services to the community.

Pennsylvania

Philadelphia

Pittsburgh

  • September 20, 2013: mayor Luke Ravenstahl presented the Key to the City of Pittsburgh to rapper Mac Miller and received official city proclamation declaring September 20 Mac Miller Day.

Reading

  • July 19, 2022: NBA basketball player Lonnie Walker IV was presented the Key to the City of Reading after hosting his annual basketball camp in his home town.[350]

Rhode Island

Central Falls

  • June 7, 2014: Central Falls mayor James Diossa presented the Key to the city to actor Alec Baldwin in recognition of his financial support of the city's public library.[351][352]

Pawtucket

  • January 15, 2016: Rep. Carlos E. Tobon and Mayor Don Grebien presented recording artist Jon B. with a state citation and a key to the City of Pawtucket[353]

Providence

  • December 9, 1921: Italian commander Armando Diaz was presented with a "solid gold" Key to the city by mayor Joseph H. Gainer.[354]
  • (ca. 1980s): Mayor Joseph R. Paolino Jr. presented the Key to the city to Joe Mangone[355]
  • 1992: Mayor Buddy Cianci presented the Key to the city to telephone operator Rose P. Brock, for her work updating the City Hall computer systems.[356]
  • June 20, 2005: Mayor David Cicilline presented the Key to the city to Mark J. Lerman, artistic director of Providence's Perishable Theatre[357]
  • April 21, 2021: Mayor Jorge Elorza presented the Key to the city to NCAA official Michael Stephens "following his illustrious selection as an official in the NCAA Men’s Basketball Division I championship game"[358][359]
  • May 17, 2022: Mayor Jorge Elorza presented the Key to the city to Providence College Men’s Basketball Head Coach Ed Cooley[360][361]
  • November 30, 2022: Mayor Elorza presented World Series MVP Jeremy Peña with the Key to the City[362]

Woonsocket

South Carolina

Columbia

  • November 9, 1973: Muhammad Ali then NABF Heavyweight Champion received the key to the City of Columbia from then Mayor John T Campbell in Ali's next two bouts he would go on to beat Joe Frazier & George Foreman.
  • August 21, 2018: Beyoncé and Jay-Z received the key to the city of Columbia, SC for their philanthropy work and impact on popular culture. Mayor Steve Benjamin also declared August 21 "Beyoncé Knowles-Carter and Sean Carter Day" in the city.[364]
  • February 5, 2019: Angell Conwell, television actress and native of nearby Orangeburg.[365]
  • November 13, 2023: A'ja Wilson, WNBA forward[366]

Tennessee

Dayton

  • July 21, 1960: John T. Scopes was given the key to the city on the 35th anniversary of the Scopes Trial, in which he had been found guilty of teaching evolution in a Tennessee school.[367]

Elizabethton

Knoxville

Memphis

Nashville

Oak Ridge

  • July 2016: Katsumi Watanabe and Shinchiro Ito[372]
  • June 29, 2022: Louise “Tiddle” Thomas[373]

Texas

Thumb
President McKinley Key to the City

Arlington

Austin

Beaumont

  • November 17, 2005: Johnny and Edgar Winter were inducted to the Southeast Texas Walk of fame at Ford Park in their hometown of Beaumont, Texas for their contribution to music and career accomplishments. They were awarded the key to the city by the Mayor and County Judge.[375]
  • June 4, 2015: Mayor Becky Ames awarded Beaumont native Layla Nejad the key to the city - alongside her Texas 4000 for Cancer team after cycling to City Hall during a stop on the 70-day charity cycling trip from Austin, Tx to Anchorage, AK - for her role in helping expand the route to stop in Southeast Texas to raise money and awareness for cancer research.[376]

Dallas

  • December 13, 2009: M. K. Asante was awarded the key to the city of Dallas for his work as an author, filmmaker, and professor.[377]
  • February 6, 2011: Michael Vick, quarterback for the Philadelphia Eagles, was awarded the key to the city of Dallas by Mayor Pro Tem Dwaine Caraway; this proved controversial, as Vick had previously served time in prison for his involvement with an illegal dog-fighting ring.[378]
  • November 21, 2018: Dirk Nowitzki, basketball player for the Dallas Mavericks, was awarded the key to the city of Dallas by Mayor Mike Rawlings for his professional achievements in his 20 seasons with the organization, as well as his humanitarian contributions.[379]

Denison

El Paso

  • February 10, 2012: Gabriel Iglesias was presented with several awards by the city of El Paso, Texas, including the key to the city and the Beacon of H.O.P.E Award from the nonprofit organization Operation H.O.P.E.
  • September 13, 2018: Recording R&B artist and El Pasoan Khalid earned the key to El Paso, Texas from Mayor Donald "Dee" Margo.

Fort Worth

Houston

Irving

Mansfield

Missouri City, TX

  • March 2, 2015 Johnnie Moutra III (Johnny Long), nationally known for co-hosting Jimmy Kimmel Live at his home & winning the grand prize on ABC's hit reality TV show "Here Come The Newlyweds," was awarded key to the city by Mayor Allen Owen for the national recognition he continues to bring to the city.
  • February 10, 2018: Missouri City native rapper Travis Scott was awarded the key by Mayor Allen Owen as a part of the city's annual Black History Month Celebration of Culture and Music.[387]

North Richland Hills

  • February 11, 2023: Gabriel Cespedes, detective

Sugar Land

  • March 18, 2018: His Highness the Aga Khan, Imam (spiritual leader) of the Ismaili Muslims and founder of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), was presented with a Key to the City of Sugar Land by Mayor Zimmerman in recognition of his 60 years of commitment to improving the quality of life for some of the world's most vulnerable populations.[388]

Utah

West Valley City

Ogden

Kaysville City

  • May 31, 2017: Lincoln and Dan Markham, YouTube stars[390]

City of Moab

  • September 17, 2022: Kevin Costner was given the key to the city by Mayor Joette Langianese[391]

Virginia

Roanoke

Washington

Seattle

Bremerton

  • September 2006: MxPx was given the keys to the city of Bremerton by Mayor Cary Bozeman.[395]

Kent

  • August 2020: YouTuber Justin "nothinbutlag" was given the keys to the city of Kent by Mayor Dana Ralph for helping the city increase their social media following.[396][397]

Spokane

  • June 9, 1948: Harry S. Truman, 33rd President of the United States, stopped at Spokane while campaigning for re-election, and was given the key to the city.[398]
  • 1980: Ted Nugent, Rock musician, stopped in Spokane during a concert tour, and was given the key to the city by then-mayor Ron Bair.[399]

Wisconsin

Green Bay

Wausau

  • July 2007: Musician "Weird Al" Yankovic received the key to the city after a concert performance at the Wisconsin Valley Fair.[402]

References

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