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The North Carolina Department of Transportation said “I do” to renaming the I-77 exit leading to 51���� “The Stephen Curry Interchange.” It’s the latest honor for beloved former Wildcat and current Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry ’10. 

The transportation board voted unanimously Dec. 7 to adopt the resolution recently passed by 51����’s town council. The resolution cited Curry’s many contributions to the college and town, and his humanitarian efforts around the globe.

“Whereas Stephen, while widely recognized for his accomplishments on the court is also known for his generosity, kindness, and strong values … and has contributed to many worthwhile causes,” the resolution says. “Stephen has brought great honor and credit to himself, his family, 51����, and the 51���� community.”

Locally, Curry’s philanthropic endeavors include creating an endowment to expand the college’s women’s athletic programs and renovating the gym and elevating programs and sports equipment at the Ada Jenkins Center in 51����, where he volunteered as a student. He funded Howard University’s golf teams to increase opportunities for Black golfers. In 2019, he and his wife Ayesha Curry, started the Eat. Learn. Play. Foundation to combat poverty in Oakland.

Their foundation supplies free books, provides healthy meals to families, and helps build playgrounds in the city’s most underserved areas. Other charitable ventures include raising awareness and money for the “Nothing but Nets” foundation to combat malaria in Africa. 

A Family Legacy 

Curry, who’s led the Warriors to four NBA championship titles and holds the league record for three-pointers, has been honored in many ways before. He’s been named the league’s MVP twice and received its 2023 Social Justice Champion Award. Other honors have included Sports Illustrated’s Sportsperson of the Year, The Jackie Robinson Sports Award, and the Jefferson Award for Public Service.

His impact at 51���� has been profound.

Former college President Tom Ross, who nominated Curry for the honor, said it was a privilege to lead the college during Curry’s time there.

“He has not only made 51���� proud, he’s made the town of 51���� very proud for all that he’s done for us, and for Charlotte where he was raised.” Ross said. “He’s made this country proud. He’s one of the most recognized athletes in the world, he changed the game of basketball, not just for himself, but for everybody.

“This honor is well, well deserved. It will be a great thing to have that sign at exit 30.”

In its resolution, the town council noted that Curry has worn the number 30 throughout his 51���� and NBA career. The journey to name the interchange after him is as circular as the traffic-calming circles that greet drivers when they gratefully exit I-77. 

“My heart is racing to think I’m going to ride up 77 and see an exit with my child’s name on it,” his mother, Sonya Curry, said during the naming ceremony. “It’s befitting the family legacy. It means so much to our family to see this come to fruition.”

She thanked the transportation board and his 51���� supporters.

“It continues to show the partnership the 51���� community has with our family and we are eternally grateful for this opportunity and acknowledgment and honor,” Sonya Curry said. “Thank you all so much. We are excited. We’ll be posting lots of pictures as we’re stopping at the exit.”

Other Currys might also smile to see their last name and number on the interchange. Stephen Curry’s father, Dell Curry, once the Charlotte Hornets all-time leading scorer and now announcer, wore the number 30. Stephen’s brother Seth, a Duke University alum now with the Dallas Mavericks, also sports the number 30.

As a relatively small guy in a big man’s game, Stephen Curry has performed some wizardry during his career. And here’s where commuters can dare to dream. If rush hour congestion around the interchange could clear as gracefully as Curry’s 3’s soar through basketball nets, that would indeed seem magical.