Ayo Edebiri visits her old high school in Boston on 'Ayo Edebiri Day'

Entertainment

Actress and Dorchester native Ayo Edebiri paid a visit to Boston Latin School, where Boston Mayor Michelle Wu issued an official proclamation for “Ayo Edebiri Day.”

Boston Mayor Michelle Wu, left, and Emmy-winning actor Ayo Edebiri share a moment of laughter during their visit to Boston Latin School on Thursday. Edebiri, a Boston Public Schools alumna, returned to participate in a conversation with students where she reflected on growing up in Boston and how her education influenced her career. Erin Clark/Globe Staff

By Kevin Slane

April 10, 2025 | 3:59 PM

1 minute to read

Actress and Dorchester native Ayo Edebiri paid a visit to her old stomping grounds on Thursday, joining Boston Mayor Michelle Wu for an afternoon Q&A with students at Boston Latin School.

Edebiri, best known for her Emmy and Golden Globe-winning role on “The Bear,” made her first official visit to Boston Latin since graduating in 2013.

“This is very surreal,” Edebiri said. “I sort of envy you guys getting out of class for this.”

Edebiri explained how attending Boston Latin, where she bonded with a diverse group of students from every neighborhood and walk of life, helped her prepare her for the real world.

“By the time I was ready to go to college, I felt ready to meet the world,” Edebiri said. “When I had classes with people who got into fancy, big-name prep schools their whole life […] I felt like I had more of an advantage.”

Emmy-winning actor Ayo Edebiri takes a selfie with Boston Latin School students and choir teacher Ryan Snyder, who was her acapella group instructor during her time at the school. Edebiri returned to her alma mater to speak with students about her journey from Boston Public Schools to a successful career in entertainment. — Emmy-winning actor Ayo Edebiri takes a selfie with Boston Latin School students and choir teacher Ryan Snyder, who was her acapella group instructor during her time at the school. – Erin Clark/Globe Staff

Edebiri spoke about how Boston Latin helped chart a path of success, from the declamations that helped her public speaking ability to the school’s improv troupe.

“I’m from public schools, pre-K to 12,” Edebiri said. “I’m from a system that was funded, that works. Public services work.”

Wu had a surprise up her sleeve, reading an official city proclamation that declared April 10, 2025, as Ayo Edebiri Day.

“What’s happening?” Edebiri said, covering her face in embarrassment. “Is a thing about to happen?”