By Emilie St. John
Contributing Writer
INGLEWOOD — The city presented rapper Mack 10 with the Key to the City during the Juneteenth Father’s Day Festival June 16.
Dedrick Rolison, known professionally as Mack 10, is a longtime Inglewood resident and a graduate of Inglewood High School. He was recognized for his charitable contributions to the city’s youth.
“I want to thank Mayor Butts and the entire city of Inglewood for showing me so much love and support,” Rolison said. “Receiving the key to my city was a dream come true.”
Taste of Inglewood, which organizes the annual festival, made the announcement on its social media accounts June 7.
“Mack 10 and his successful hip hop career should be celebrated, however, his humanitarian contribution in helping local children in Inglewood is what stands out most,” event organizers said. “No matter where his career took him, he remained a community man, and how impressive that in 1995 he made the Billboard Top R&B Artist list coming in second to Michael Jackson.”
Rolison said he understands what it’s like to be a student dreaming of success and being able to achieve his dream is a testament to his determination, drive and hard work.
“It feels great to achieve your dreams because I have always been a big dreamer,” he said. “And what I have noticed about people who achieve their dreams, is that they put a plan in place and execute, they don’t just talk about it. They work hard to make it happen.”
Actor and comedian Gerald “Slink” Johnson said he was proud to see Mack 10 being recognized by the city as he too was a student at Inglewood High and understands how proud it is to call Inglewood home.
“I feel so blessed to live and dream and be able to be around, interact and fellowship with my community is both an honor and a privilege,” Johnson said. “I’m proud to say Mack 10 and I are from the same section especially with him being one of the greatest to ever put on for hip hop and the West Coast.”
Mack 10 said he was excited to see the community come out to see him being honored during the celebration.
“I have a big heart and I love to help,” he said. “It’s my city, my community, and we should definitely take care of our own. To me, success and character are measured by how well you take care of your people.”
Rolinson’s Key to the City follows the city previously bestowing keys to actress and producer Issa Rae, music star DSmoke and Becky G.
Emilie St. John is a freelance journalist covering the areas of Carson, Compton, Inglewood and Willowbrook. Send tips to her at emiliesaintjohn@gmail.com.
