December 18, 2023

Metro Boomin Receives St. Louis’ Key To The City, Acknowledges Single Mothers In Honor Of Late Mother

"This is only the beginning of all the great things that I want to do for the city to help turn things around one household at a time"

Last week, St. Louis honored music producer Leland Wayne, better known as Metro Boomin, by giving him the key to the city. St. Louis also declared Dec. 14 “Leland ‘Metro Boomin Wayne Day” and “Leslie Joanne Single Mothers and Caregivers Appreciation Day” in honor of the producer’s late mother. The honor was given to him by St. Louis Mayor Tishaura Jones.

According to St. Louis Public Radio, Jones acknowledged the talent of the producer while bestowing him with the honor. “Metro has a distinct ear for music composition, creating melodic, yet percussive beats, that you can’t help but dance to. It’s a bop, ya’ll. It’s a bop!”

That same day, the seventh annual “Single Moms Are Superheroes” holiday event was relaunched as the Leslie Joanne Soirée, named after Metro’s mother. The event was a gala for 250 single mothers and included a performance by R&B singer and actress Brandy.

Metro said it was the start of helping the city “turn things around.”

“This is only the beginning of all the great things that I want to do for the city to help turn things around one household at a time. As far as today, the day is officially Leslie Joanne Day after my mother — and not after myself.”

Metro accepted the accolades and the key with his brothers and sisters — 27-year-old Leah, 25-year-old Landon, 13-year-old Lauren, and 9-year-old Logan — by his side.

The Leslie Joanne Soirée was created in conjunction with Rung for Women, an organization dedicated to assisting women seeking independence for themselves via career coaching, skills training, and coordinated resources. There is no cost to the women who participate in the program.

Last year, Metro collaborated with The Steve and Marjorie Harvey Foundation to launch the “Single Moms Are The Real Superheroes” campaign. The initiative was created to assist women who are met with struggles they may face as solo parents.