Rick Ross Honored At Street Renaiming Ceremony In Clarksdale, MS

Earlier this week, Rick Ross added another notch to his belt after being honored with a street renaming ceremony in his hometown of Clarksdale, MS. The event also coincided with Juneteenth, a holiday meant to commemorate the end of slavery in the US.

The street, now known as “Rick Ross Way,” according to city officials, is designed to inspire the city’s residents with a can-do attitude. “When they see that name, he can tell the story and say, ‘I came from the streets of Clarksdale. I made it, and so can you.’ It just serves as a reminder that if they can do it, you can do it too,” Clarksdale’s mayor, Chuck Espy, told ABC24.

“I just want all the youngsters to know this is somewhere to be proud of,” Ross said during the emotional ceremony. “Clarksdale is beautiful; it’s amazing, it’s creative. It’s the home of a lot of amazing artists.” Ross’ mother, Tommie Roberts, was right by the rapper’s side as he expressed his gratitude for her. “Every time I see my mama, when I text her in the morning, I always let her know she did it,” he said.

Roberts tells ABC24 that the moment was “special ” to her, especially with all the sacrifices the rapper has had to make, including missing “a lot of family gatherings, a lot of holidays.” She added, “You see the glitz and glamour, but there’s a lot of heartache behind it.”

Earlier this month, Rick Ross received an official proclamation from Georgia Congresswoman Nikema Williams for his contributions to the state. Although he’s proudly from Miami, Ross built deep roots in Georgia with his business and community efforts.

The ceremony acknowledged Ross’ long-standing influence in the Peach State, notably his annual Car & Bike Show. The annual event has become a significant attraction for both locals and tourists. His efforts in franchising businesses, such as Wingstop, real estate, and creating job opportunities were all highlighted, along with his “Boss Up” conferences that benefit Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) across the state of Georgia.