List of Keys to the City in the United States

Louisiana

Lafayette

• May 2019: Former professional mixed martial arts fighter Dustin Poirier was awarded the key to the city of Lafayette by Mayor-President Joel Robideaux for his work with the Good Fight Foundation and his contributions to the community.

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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• November 2, 2024: Lil Wayne, during the Lil WeezyAna Fest, received a key to the city from New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell.

• December 18, 2025: Alan Nobili, Executive Director of the Alliance Française of New Orleans, was awarded the Key to the City of New Orleans in recognition of his contributions to cultural diplomacy and the promotion of the French language and Francophone heritage in Louisiana.

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
• 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.
• June 13, 2014: Evander Holyfield, American Boxer
• November 4, 2023: Twisted Roots, Rock band

Maryland

Baltimore

• September 10, 2012: Keys to the city were awarded to eight athletes who competed in the 2012 Summer Olympics: swimmers Michael Phelps (key revoked 2014) and Katie Ledecky, rower David Banks, windsurfer Farrah Hall, cyclist Bobby Lea, field hockey player Katie O'Donnell, kayaker Scott Parsons, and modern pentathlete Suzanne Stettinius.
• July 24, 2019: Gervonta Davis, three days before his homecoming fight with Ricardo Nunez – his fifth 130-pound world title defense – he was presented the keys to the city by then mayor Bernard C. "Jack" Young in a ceremony at City Hall.
• July 19, 2023: Angel Reese, college basketball player, was awarded the Key to the city by Mayor Brandon Scott.

Hagerstown

• LA Knight, professional wrestler, was awarded the Key to the city by Mayor Tekesha Martinez.

Pocomoke City

• Ray Lewis, NFL Hall of Famer.

Massachusetts

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.

Dedham

• July 1961: Connie Hines received the Key to the Town after being cast on Mister Ed.

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."
• 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".

Worcester

• July 8, 2017: Mayor of Worcester Joseph Petty presented Shatta Wale with the key to the city, in recognition of his contributions to the arts and for honoring the city of Worcester, Massachusetts with his presence.

Michigan

Albion

• 1960s: Ann Landers received the key to the city of Albion upon her visit to Starr Commonwealth for Boys.

Detroit

• November 27, 1924: Since its first proceedings in 1924, Santa Claus has received the key to the city of Detroit annually during the cities America's Thanksgiving Parade.
• 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.
• May 15, 1974: Mayor Coleman Young gave keys to the city to the activist Angela Davis and other participants in a conference held by the National Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression.
• September 26, 1974: Stevie Wonder, renowned Motown recording artist was awarded a key to the city by then Mayor Coleman Young.
• 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.
• July 8, 1977: Actor Hal Linden, known for his role playing the titular policeman on Barney Miller, visited the 12th precinct of the Detroit Police Department and received keys to the city.
• September 30, 1980: The filmmaker and oceanographer Jacques Cousteau was helicoptered ashore from a research vessel in the Great Lakes to be honored with keys to Detroit.
• 1980: Saddam Hussein, president of Iraq at that time, was awarded the key to the city and declared "an honorary citizen of Detroit" for his gift of $250,000 to fund the construction of Sacred Heart Chaldean Church, a Catholic ministry that served many Iraqis. While receiving the keys, Hussein presented Sacred Heart's pastor with an additional $200,000 to pay remaining debts.
• January 31, 2006: Detroit native Jerome Bettis was awarded the key to the city by Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick days before his Super Bowl win.
• January 2, 2007: Steve Yzerman received the key to the city after his retirement and having his jersey retired.
• January 27, 2010: Sesame Street star Elmo received the key to the city from Mayor David Bing during a visit with kids at Children's Hospital of Michigan.
• 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: The Jackson 5 members, Jackie, Tito, Jermaine, Marlon, and Michael were honored with keys to the city at the Detroit Music Weekend festival; Michael's was posthumous.
• February 29, 2020: Members of the Detroit Youth Choir received keys to the city.

Flint

• 1989: Lois M. Craig received the key to the city of Flint.
• June 10, 2007: American Idol finalist LaKisha Jones received a proclamation and key to the city from Mayor Don Williamson.
• September 15, 2012: Claressa Shields, Five division (three division undisputed) world champion and two-time Olympic gold medalist boxer.

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.

Kalamazoo

• May 7, 2009: Kalamazoo native and "American Idol" fifth place finalist Matt Giraud. "Giraud was presented with a key to the city by Kalamazoo Mayor Bobby Hopewell, and Gov. Jennifer Granholm proclaimed May 7 'Matt Giraud Day' "https://www.mlive.com/music/2009/05/idol_contestant_matt_giraud_re.html
• 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.

April 13, 2025: Western Michigan University's men's hockey team brought the NCAA national championship trophy home to Lawson Ice Arena on Sunday, April 13 a day after winning the school's first national title in the sport. A small, shiny gold key to the city of Kalamazoo will now join the trophy in a display case at the university. https://www.mlive.com/news/kalamazoo/2025/04/wmu-hockey-champs-honored-with-key-to-the-city-of-kalamazoo.html

Sault Sainte Marie

• July 22, 2007: Kiss (band) received the key to the city of Sault Ste Marie.

Southfield

• May 16, 2025: Selma Blair, actress and Southfield native.

Traverse City

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

Missouri

• July 16, 2022: Rock band Buckcherry was awarded the Key to the city by Mayor Carrie Tergin.

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

Nebraska

Omaha

• March 2014: Boxing World Champion and Omaha native Terence Crawford received the key to the city and the Omaha city council declared Tuesday, March 4, 2014, as Terence "Bud" Crawford Day.
• September 27, 2025: Crawford was again presented with the key to the city, this time by Mayor John Ewing Jr. shortly after defeating Canelo Álvarez and becoming a three-division undisputed world champion.

Nevada

Fernley

• August 2012: Jacob Dalton, American Olympic Gymnast (2012).

Las Vegas

New Jersey

Atlantic City

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

Belleville

• 2025: My Chemical Romance (Ray Toro, Mikey Way, Gerard Way, Frank Iero)

Camden County

• 2000: Britney Spears

Englewood

• 2019: Juwann Winfree, American football player

Essex County

• January 8, 2020: Shakur Stevenson, Olympic silver medalist and World Champion professional boxer.

Hoboken

• October 30, 1947: Frank Sinatra, American Singer and Actor.
• July 6, 1998: Aaron Rosa, drummer of the rock band Palisades.

Jersey City

• March 17, 1961: Brendan Behan, Irish playwright and author, received the keys to Jersey City from Mayor Charles Witkowski.
• April 27, 2023: Dan Hurley University of Connecticut men's basketball coach

Newark

• 2016: Professor Don Jacob, Martial Artist, Grandmaster

Paterson

• April 15, 2012: Victor Cruz (American football) of the New York Giants was awarded the key to the city of Paterson for his role in the Super Bowl XLVI victory over the New England Patriots.
• August 28, 2015: Rapper Fetty Wap was given the key to the city of his hometown Paterson, New Jersey by Mayor Jose "Joey" Torres.
• June 1, 2018: US Senator Cory Booker was given the key to the city of Paterson by Mayor Jane Williams-Warren for his service to the state of New Jersey.
• May 25, 2022: Mayor Andre Sayegh presented Felisa Van Liew, Principal of Public School No. 2, with Paterson's Key to the City
• February 7, 2025: Mayor Andre Sayegh presented the key to the city to outgoing Business Administrator Kathleen Long as she departed municipal government for a position at the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs.

Union City

• March 1, 2025: Richardson Hitchins, World Champion professional boxer.

New Mexico

Albuquerque

• October 23, 2025: English rock band Judas Priest received the key to the city of Albuquerque.

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.
• 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. 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.
• November 14, 2025: Dion Dawkins received the key to the city of Buffalo in recognition of his contributions to the city, including his non-profit organization Dion's Dreamers.

New York City

• June 27, 1702: Viscount Cornbury was presented the "Freedom of the City".
• September 1735: Andrew Hamilton received the "Freedom of the City" for his defence of John Peter Zenger.
• February 25, 1902: Prince Henry of Prussia was presented the Freedom of the City during a visit to New York.
• 1927: The aviator Charles Lindbergh was awarded the key to the city following his record-breaking non-stop flight from New York to Paris.

• 1930-1931: Albert Einstein was given the keys to the city by Mayor Jimmy Walker.
• 1969: Irish Civil Rights Activist Bernadette Devlin received honorary keys to the city in 1969 from Mayor Lindsay whilst on tour in America to raise money for the civil rights movement in Northern Ireland. As the tour came to a close Devlin became disenfranchised with Irish Americans who struggled to see the parallel of the civil rights movement in the U.S. with that in Ireland. The following year she gave the key to friend and fellow activist Eamonn McCann who presented it to Robert Bay of the Black Panthers on her behalf as a show of solidarity.
• 1972: Musical group The Jackson 5 received keys to the city of New York from Deputy Mayor Edward Hamilton.
• June 10, 1991: Richard Cheney, Colin Powell, Norman Schwarzkopf after a ticker-tape parade up the Canyon of Heroes in lower Manhattan as part of Welcome Home celebration for Desert Storm forces.
• February 5, 2008: The New York Giants players, coaches and owners received keys to the city in recognition of their victory at Super Bowl XLII. Presentation took place at City Hall after a ticker-tape parade up the Canyon of Heroes in lower Manhattan.
• February 9, 2009: Chesley B. Sullenberger III received the key to the city for safely landing US Airways Flight 1549 in the Hudson River after mid-air faults from a bird collision, saving the lives of all 155 people on board. The First Officer of the Flight, Jeffrey B. Skiles, and flight attendants Sheila Dail, Doreen Welsh and Donna Dent also received keys to the city.
• May 8, 2009: Captain Richard Phillips and crewman William Rios received keys to the city in recognition of their heroism aboard the MV Maersk Alabama during the 2009 hijacking by Somali pirates.
• November 6, 2009: The New York Yankees players, coaches and owners received keys to the city in recognition of their 2009 World Series victory.
• October 14, 2010: Ralph Lauren received a key for his philanthropic and economic contributions to the city.
• November 18, 2011: Regis Philbin received a key to the city to honor his twenty-eight year contribution to New York media.
• February 7, 2012: The New York Giants players, coaches and owners received keys to the city in recognition of their victory at Super Bowl XLVI. Presentation took place at City Hall after a ticker-tape parade up the Canyon of Heroes in lower Manhattan.
• July 10, 2015: The United States Women's National Soccer Team players and coaches received keys to the city in recognition of their 2015 Women's World Cup victory. The parade was organized on short notice and was the first ticker-tape parade in New York City to honor female athletes since Olympic Athletes in 1984.
• January 9, 2016: Ray Pfeifer FDNY Firefighter received the Key to the City of New York for his work to help secure health care for over 80,000 9/11/01 first responders. The James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act was signed into law on December 18, 2015
• March 2, 2016: Rapper Foxy Brown was honored by Mayor Bill de Blasio and awarded the Key to the City.
• June 11, 2017: Rapper Fabolous and the late artist Jean-Michel Basquiat were awarded keys to the city by Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden.
• June 26, 2017: Rapper Nicki Minaj was honored by the Queens Borough President Melinda Katz and awarded the Key to the City for her outstanding career achievements in music.
• December 27, 2021: Musician, poet, and author Patti Smith was awarded Key to the City by Mayor Bill de Blasio. Patti Smith and Lenny Kaye performed at the ceremony.
• August 8, 2022: LL Cool J was awarded the Key to the City during the Rock the Bells festival in Queens.
• January 2023: Aaron Judge was awarded the Key to the City by Eric Adams for his historic achievement in breaking the AL home run record set by Roger Maris in 1961, by hitting 62 home runs.
• April 14, 2023: Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber was awarded the Key to the City by Eric Adams for his contributions of music in Broadway shows such as The Phantom of the Opera and Bad Cinderella
• June 8, 2023: Robert De Niro, actor, awarded the Key to the City during the annual Tribeca Festival.
• July 16, 2023: Valerie Simpson, musician, was awarded the Key to the City at the 22nd St. Albans Jazz and Rhythm & Blues Festival.
• September 15, 2023: Sean "Diddy" Combs was awarded the Key to the City by Eric Adams; the key would later be rescinded on June 16, 2024, due to sexual misconduct allegations against Combs.
• October 24, 2024: The members of the New York Liberty team, who won the 2024 WNBA Finals, were awarded a key to the city.
• November 23, 2025: The members of the 2025 Gotham FC team who won the 2025 NWSL Championship, were awarded the Key to the City from Mayor Eric Adams

Oyster Bay

• October 19, 2023: Billy Joel, musician from Oyster Bay

Rochester

• June 25, 1968: Borussia Dortmund, a German professional association football team.
• June 17, 1973: Pelé, Brazilian professional footballer
• June 3, 2013: The Rochester Knighthawks, a professional lacrosse team
• 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.
• 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.

Monroe County

• November 29, 2025: Ernie Clement

North Carolina

Boone

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

Charlotte

• Stephen Curry, professional basketball player for the Golden State Warriors of the National Basketball Association (NBA) and fellow Charlottean received the Key to the city from Mayor Vi Lyles in 2022.

Fayetteville

• May 27, 2025: J. Harrison Ghee, actor, singer, and dancer.

Hickory

• November 19, 2021: Sheri Everts, Chancellor of Appalachian State University.

High Point

• Billy Quick, a High Point native and a Special Olympics athlete and ambassador.
• October 13, 2017: Kathy Ireland, American model and actress, turned author and entrepreneur; received the key from High Point mayor Bill Bencini.
• 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

• March 15, 2021: Two teenagers, Owen and Walker, were awarded keys to the city for alerting authorities to the 2020 Colonial Pipeline oil spill.

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.
• March 28, 2025: Alex Highsmith, NFL linebacker.

Ohio

Akron

• May 28, 2016: Mark Mothersbaugh, artist and Devo founder, was awarded the key to the city during a ceremony at the Akron-Summit County Public Library.

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.
• 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

• 1974: Pramukh Swami Maharaj, President and Spiritual head of BAPS
• 1987: Todd Hobbs, Mark Hobbs, Kevin Hodge, Teddy Hodge, Scott Castellenas, and Chris Hudson, local citizens who saved 11 children from a fire.
• 1988: Nam June Paik, sculptor, at the unveiling of Metrobot on "Robot Day"
• 2015: Cate Blanchett, Australian Actress.
• 2015: Rooney Mara, American Actress.
• 2015: Christine Vachon, American Film Producer.
• 2015: Sir Elton John CBE, British Singer.
• 2015: Lionel Richie, American Singer.
• 2015: Jennifer Hudson, American Actress and Singer.
• 2015: Carl Hilding Severinsen, American Musician and Bandleader on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson.
• 2015: Drew Lachey, American Singer.
• 2015: Nick Lachey, American Singer.
• 2016: Okyeame Kwame, Ghanaian Musician.
• 2018: Jack White, American Musician.
• 2019: Rose Lavelle, American Soccer Player.
• 2023: Richard (Dick) Rosenthal, American Philanthropist
• 2024: John F. Barrett, Chairman President & CEO of Western & Southern Financial Group.

Cleveland

• 1968: B.B. King, American blues singer, guitarist, songwriter, and record producer
• 1969: Carl B. Stokes, American Politician, Civil Rights Leader, First African American Mayor of a Major U.S.City
• Pelé, Brazilian soccer player.
• 1974: Pramukh Swami Maharaj, President and Spiritual head of BAPS
• June 16, 2011: Valerie Bertinelli, Jane Leeves, Wendie Malick, and Betty White, the stars of the television series Hot in Cleveland.
• November 5, 2011: Aretha Franklin, American singer.
• July 17, 2015: Mickey Bey, IBF lightweight boxing champion.

Dayton

• 2023: Dr. Derrick L. Foward, American Civil Rights Activist.
• 2023: Edwin C. Moses, Olympian.

• 2023: Mildred White Rogan, Teacher.
• 2023: Dr. Jill Biden, First Lady of the United States of America.
• 2021: Jeff Cooper, Public Health Official.
• 2021: Michael Dohn, Public Health Official.
• 2021: Terra Williams, Public Health Official.
• 2015: David McCullough, Author of "The Wright Brothers."
• 1964: Martin Luther King, Jr., American Baptist Minister and Civil Rights Activist.

Eastlake

• June 7, 2016: Former professional mixed martial arts fighter Stipe Miocic received the key to the city after winning the UFC Heavyweight Championship.

Warren

• August 2, 2009: Dave Grohl, American Musician.

Oklahoma

Norman

• May 18, 1925: Independent Order of Odd Fellows received a key to the city from Mayor Guy Spottswood.

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.
• 2025: Katy Perry, American singer, songwriter, and television personality.

Tulsa

• March 18, 2010: Robert Meachem, NFL Football Player.
• 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.
• 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

• 1993: The Who
• December 15, 2022: Gillie Da King And Wallo
• January 11, 2024: Marcus Morris Sr., American basketball player and philanthropist.
• May 28, 2025: Quinta Brunson, actress and producer, whose show Abbott Elementary is based on the Philadelphia school she attended.

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.

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.

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

Providence

• December 9, 1921: Italian commander Armando Diaz was presented with a "solid gold" Key to the city by mayor Joseph H. Gainer.
• (ca. 1980s): Mayor Joseph R. Paolino Jr. presented the Key to the city to Joe Mangone
• 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.
• June 20, 2005: Mayor David Cicilline presented the Key to the city to Mark J. Lerman, artistic director of Providence's Perishable Theatre
• 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"
• May 17, 2022: Mayor Jorge Elorza presented the Key to the city to Providence College Men's Basketball Head Coach Ed Cooley
• November 30, 2022: Mayor Elorza presented World Series MVP Jeremy Peña with the Key to the City

Woonsocket

• May 12, 2017: Mayor Lisa Baldelli-Hunt presented MMA athlete Andre Soukhamthath with the Key to the City of 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.
• February 5, 2019: Angell Conwell, television actress and native of nearby Orangeburg.
• November 13, 2023: A'ja Wilson, WNBA forward

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.

Elizabethton

• June 21, 2013: Jason Witten, American football player

Knoxville

• September 17, 2021: Bianca Blair was handed the key to the city by Mayor Glenn Thomas Jacobs during her homecoming ceremony on WWE Smackdown.

Memphis

• February 15, 2011: Grandmaster Hikaru Nakamura received the key to the city of Memphis for his supertournament victory at the 2011 Tata Steel Chess Tournament in Wijk aan Zee.
• June 27, 2023: Drake received the key to Memphis in recognition of his frequent references to Memphis in his songs.

Nashville

• 1967: Daniel Sharpe Malekebu, Malawian doctor, missionary, and anti-colonial activist.
• 1984: John Glenn, American Astronaut and United States Senator.
• 1991: Jean Stafford, Australian country music artist.

Oak Ridge

• July 2016: Katsumi Watanabe and Shinchiro Ito
• June 29, 2022: Louise "Tiddle" Thomas

Texas

Arlington

• March 30, 2023: Singer-songwriter Taylor Swift was presented with the key to Arlington in honor of The Eras Tour.

Austin

• May 3, 1901: President William McKinley received the key to Austin, Texas from Mayor R.F White.
• April 11, 2008: His Highness the Aga Khan, Imam (spiritual leader) of the Ismaili Muslims and founder of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) was presented with the Key to the City of Austin by Mayor Will Wynn of Austin upon his arrival in the city.

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.
• 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.

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.
• 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.
• 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.

Denison

• 1952: Presidential candidate General Dwight D. Eisenhower received the key to his birthplace city from Mayor Alfred Cecil "Mike" Casey.

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.

June 13, 2025 Cold Play receives key to the city on Friday night concert.

Fort Worth

• November 9, 2023: The Texas Rangers were awarded the key to the city at Billy Bob's Texas by Mayor Mattie Parker to commemorate their winning of the 2023 World Series.

Houston

• September 22, 2019: The Texas India Forum hosted Howdy Modi, a community event in honour of the Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas. The event was attended by over 50,000 people and several American politicians, including President Donald Trump, making it the largest gathering for an invited foreign leader visiting the United States other than the Pope. At the event, Modi was presented with the Key to the City of Houston by Mayor Sylvester Turner.
• May 1, 2022: Mayor Sylvester Turner presented rapper Megan Thee Stallion with a key to the city of Houston which is her hometown.

Irving

• July 19, 2013: Mike and Bob Bryan, twin brothers and professional tennis players
• August 20, 2017: Mahant Swami Maharaj, Hindu swami and 6th Spiritual leader of BAPS.

Mansfield

• June 6, 2013: Tony Kanaan, race car driver

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.

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.

Utah

West Valley City

• July 27, 2011: Halaevalu Mata'aho 'Ahome'e, HM The Queen Mother of Tonga
• December 13, 2011: Guns N' Roses was given the key to the city by then mayor-Mike Winder

Ogden

• June 15, 2013: Damian Lillard, basketball player

Kaysville City

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

City of Moab

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

Virginia

Roanoke

• May 4, 2016: George Takei was given the Key to the city by Mayor David A. Bowers

Washington

Seattle

• 1968: Seattle officials planned to give musician Jimi Hendrix the keys to the city, but canceled the event.
• In 1984, Seattle mayor Charles Royer stated that the city does not award keys, but instead gifted comedian Bob Hope a quiche with the design of the Space Needle.

Bremerton

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

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.

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.
• 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.

Wisconsin

Green Bay

• January 4, 2004: Arizona Cardinals receiver Nate Poole was presented the key to the city from Mayor Jim Schmitt for catching a late touchdown pass against the Green Bay Packers' hated rival, the Minnesota Vikings, in the final game of the regular season, which allowed the Packers to make the playoffs that season. After the presentation, Poole was invited to attend the Packers' playoff game against the Seattle Seahawks.
• August 10, 2016: Rock band Kiss played at the Resch Center on the Freedom to Rock Tour. During the encore, they were presented the key to the city by Mayor Jim Schmitt.

Wausau

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

References