(WASHINGTON, DC) – Today, Mayor Bowser presented the Key to the City to native Washingtonian, DC Public Schools (DCPS) alumnus, and Emmy award winner Dave Chappelle.
The Key to the City – something that is rarely given – is the highest honor an individual can receive. Chappelle is receiving this honor in recognition of his comedic craft, artistic merit, promotion of our DC Values, and overall perseverance.
“Some very special native Washingtonians have dedicated their lives to making Washington, DC better, and they’ve gone above and beyond to show others what makes the nation’s capital the best city in the world,” said Mayor Muriel Bowser. “Dave Chappelle reminds us what it means to live a life filled with purpose, meaning, and laughter.”
This year, Chappelle is celebrating 30 years in the entertainment industry. During this time, he displayed his many talents on the big screen and stage. He is widely known for his classic Comedy Central television show “Chappelle’s Show,” and for selling out long runs in iconic venues such as Radio City Music Hall in New York City, and Washington, DC’s-own Warner Theatre.
Chappelle earned his first Emmy award earlier this month for his work hosting Saturday Night Live. During the show, Chappelle brought to light his love for DCPS and helped #DCPublicSchools trend on social media worldwide. It was while attending the Duke Ellington School of the Arts that Chappelle got his start on the road touring with his mom as chaperone.
Comedy Central ranks Chappelle as Number 43 of “100 Greatest Stand-Ups of All Time.” Esquire Magazine has called him “the comic genius of America,” and GQ Magazine featured Chappelle on the cover of its Man of the Year issue in 2015.