July 06, 2017
Thom Carroll/PhillyVoice
The mural of comedian and actor Kevin Hart on the wall of Max's Cheesesteaks was painted by mural artist Willis 'Nomo' Humphrey of Mural Arts Philadelphia.
Philadelphia does birthdays big.
Days after throwing one huge party for the nation, a public celebration for actor/comedian Kevin Hart was in full swing Thursday as the City of Brotherly Love recognized its first "Kevin Hart Day," which falls on Hart's 38th trip around the sun.
Hart, who grew up in North Philly, came back to his hometown to join in the fun after City Council unanimously passed a resolution in March that declared July 6 as Hart's own. The city of Philadelphia helped put on the free, public celebration held from 10:30 a.m. until 2 p.m. at Max's Steaks along Germantown and Erie avenues in Franklinville.
Mayor Jim Kenney and Councilman David Oh, who led the resolution, as well as performers Chill Moody and Freeway came to the event, too, which included an unveiling of a mural of Hart courtesy of the Mural Arts Program.
“Kevin Hart is a fantastic ambassador for the City of Philadelphia, and this is a simple way to show him gratitude,” Oh said in March.
Missed the event Thursday? Check out all the photos from Kevin Hart Day below.
Actor Kevin Hart stands with his son Hendrix during the 'Kevin Hart Day' event in North Philadelphia on July 6, 2017.
Actor and comedian Kevin Hart speaks to the crowd gathered outside Max's Cheesesteaks, Germantown and Erie avenues, on Thursday, July 6. His appearance in the neighborhood where he grew up was part of the city's 'Kevin Hart Day' celebration, during which a portrait of Hart was unveiled by Mural Arts Philadelphia.
North Philly residents Sakina Marks, left, and Darnya Abney came out to support actor and comedian Kevin Hart on his birthday. The city honored the North Philly native on Thursday, July 6, 2017, with 'Kevin Hart Day' and a mural located in the neighborhood where he grew up.
Crowds cheered for North Philadelphia-native Kevin Hart. On July 6, 2017, the actor and comedian participated in the city's 'Kevin Hart Day' celebration, which coincided with the comedian's 38th birthday.
An enthusiastic crowd listens to hip-hop artist Freeway perform during the dedication of a mural honoring North Philly-native Kevin Hart. The actor and comedian participated in the city's 'Kevin Hart Day' celebration on July 6, 2017, which also was his 38th birthday.
Hundreds of fans attended 'Kevin Hart Day' at Germantown and Erie avenues on Thursday, July 6, 2017. The city created the event to honor the actor and comedian from North Philly. The party coincided with Hart's 38th birthday.
Crowds gathered blocks from Kevin Hart's childhood home in North Philly for 'Kevin Hart Day' and celebrated by singing the actor and comedian the 'Happy Birthday' song.
Philadelphia hip-hop artist Chill Moody performs during 'Kevin Hart Day' at Germantown and Erie avenues in North Philly on Thursday, July 6, 2017.
'Kevin Hart Day' included a birthday celebration for the actor and comedian, who turned 38 on July 6, 2017, as well as the dedication of a mural and a street festival attended by hundreds of fans.
