Mayor Cherelle Parker presented the key to the city to Isaiah “HMBL Zayy” Thomas, honoring the Nicetown native after he completed a 3,000-mile cross-country walk aimed at expanding opportunities for Philadelphia youth.

Thomas returned home after completing the 124-day journey from Philadelphia to California on July 26.

The walk raised more than $181,000 toward a $200,000 goal to support the creation of HMBL University, a planned Philadelphia-based trade school.

The school is envisioned as a place where young people can receive hands-on career training and develop skills to build successful futures.

On a journey to help kids in Philadelphia, a community activist is near the end of his faith walk from Pennsylvania to California. Through all the ups and downs, Isaiah Thomas, better known as “HMBL Zay,” hopes his journey inspires others. NBC10'S Aaron Baskerville caught up with him as he made his way through Arizona.

Parker presented Thomas with the key to the city during a ceremony at City Hall on Monday, Aug. 17, in recognition of his journey and his commitment to creating new pathways to opportunity for young people in Philadelphia.

City officials said the key to the city is a symbol of civic recognition and the city's appreciation for people whose achievements, service and influence have made a meaningful impact on Philadelphia and its residents.

“A Key to the City is symbolic, but today, I want this key to represent something very real: the doors Isaiah is opening for the next generation of Philadelphians,” Parker said in a news release. “Isaiah -- HMBL Zayy -- walked 3,000 miles because he believes our young people deserve pathways to family-sustaining careers, financial independence and the opportunity to build wealth right here in Philadelphia. He has shown our city and our country what can happen when an audacious vision is matched by purpose, resilience and an absolute determination to see it through.” 

“Growing up in Nicetown, I learned early that where you start does not have to determine where you finish,” said Thomas. “This walk was never just about me making it across the country. It was about showing our young people what is possible when you believe in something and refuse to give up on it. To come back home and receive the Key to the City from Mayor Parker is an incredible honor, and I hope this moment opens even more doors for the young people coming behind me.”