Rick Ross, the boss himself, received a deeply personal tribute this week as his hometown of Clarksdale, Mississippi, honored him with his very own street name. The symbolic moment unfolded during a Juneteenth celebration, intertwining the city’s pride in Ross’s journey with a national day of freedom and reflection.
City officials officially renamed a Clarksdale street to “Rick Ross Way” in a public display of respect for the rap icon’s success and resilience. The move was about more than just honoring a famous native son; it was intended to serve as a spark for local dreamers and young visionaries looking for motivation.
“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.
The ceremony had all the emotion of a homecoming celebration. Standing before friends, family, and hometown fans, Ross shared heartfelt reflections about his roots and what the day meant for his community.
“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.”
Standing right beside him was someone who’s been there since day one his mother, Tommie Roberts. Ross didn’t hold back his gratitude and admiration for her unwavering support.
“Every time I see my mama, when I text her in the morning, I always let her know she did it,” he said.
From global rap stardom to now having his name etched into the streets of his childhood, Rick Ross’s legacy has come full circle. For Clarksdale and its next generation, Rick Ross Way is more than a street name. It is a statement of possibility.