Stephen Marley honored with Key to the City Of Wilmington, Delaware
Key Points(5)
- On March 20, the Mayor of Wilmington, Delaware Mike Purzycki paid tribute to Stephen Marley with a special mayoral commendation and the presentation of a Key to the City, as the eight-time Grammy Award-winning reggae star made a return visit to the city where he was born.
- Stephen Marley is the second-eldest son of reggae icon Bob Marley, who also called Wilmington home for a short time during the 1960s.
- Stephen's paternal grandmother, Cedella Marley, established roots in Wilmington in 1962, residing near the intersection of 24th and Tatnall streets.
- In addition to her son, the Marley family matriarch opened her Wilmington home to daughter-in-law, Rita, as well as her grandchildren.
- Among them was Stephen, who was born on April 20, 1972.
On March 20, the Mayor of Wilmington, Delaware Mike Purzycki paid tribute to Stephen Marley with a special mayoral commendation and the presentation of a Key to the City, as the eight-time Grammy Award-winning reggae star made a return visit to the city where he was born.
Stephen Marley is the second-eldest son of reggae icon Bob Marley, who also called Wilmington home for a short time during the 1960s. Stephen's paternal grandmother, Cedella Marley, established roots in Wilmington in 1962, residing near the intersection of 24th and Tatnall streets.
In addition to her son, the Marley family matriarch opened her Wilmington home to daughter-in-law, Rita, as well as her grandchildren. Among them was Stephen, who was born on April 20, 1972.
The park across the street in which Stephen and his siblings used to play, then known as Tatnall Playground, was rededicated as “One Love Park” in April 2014.
A copy of the Mayor's tribute stated: "The U.S. Census Bureau ranks Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington among the top ten metropolitan areas in the country with the largest Jamaican populations, thanks in part to an influx of immigrants during the civil rights era of the 1960s."
“What’s really important to us is to reflect on our community,” Mayor Purzycki said in comments to Stephen Marley. “And when you see everybody here at this event, there is a depth of feeling that reminds us what community is all about. We appreciate that, and it’s a tribute to you that you have so many folks who want to be with you here today.”
The Mayor extended a warm welcome to Stephen on behalf of the City of Wilmington and saluted his contributions to the world of music as he carries on his father’s legacy.
Read: Stephen Marley continues to top Billboard charts
“Wilmington is proud of its connection to the Marley family, which continues to this day ... and wants all members of the Marley family to know they will always have a home here as Wilmington holds them in our collective heart," the Mayor said.
'An emotional moment' for Stephen
“It’s a very emotional moment here,” said Marley upon receiving a Key to the City. “I do give thanks to everyone who made this possible … my family. Wilmington home. I have fond memories of running across the street to the park and my father. I have fond memories here and thank you. I’m not a man of many words. I love you all. I feel at home.”
In addition to the Mayor, the ceremony was attended by Lieutenant Governor Bethany Hall-Long, representing Governor John Carney; New Castle County Executive Matt Meyer; Ms. Lorraine Malcolm-Johnson, a first cousin to Bob Marley; and City Parks Director Ian Smith.
Stephen Marley was enthusiastically greeted by a crowd that included over a hundred friends and relatives — members of the Malcolm family who continue to reside in Wilmington and throughout Delaware — as well as neighbors and members of the community.
