Idris Elba Honored with Paving Stone at Barking College

London, England — A commemorative paving stone honoring actor Idris Elba was unveiled on Friday at Barking and Dagenham College. This tribute is part of the MOBO‘s Paving the Way Award, which celebrates cultural pioneers who have significantly contributed to their communities.

The stone, located outside the college, features Elba’s words: “Don’t get labelled, labels are for cans.” Elba selected this college for the tribute as it is where he first studied and started his creative journey in the 1990s.

During the unveiling, attended by MOBO founder Kanya King CBE and current students, Elba expressed his emotions about the honor. “Coming back to Barking & Dagenham College, the place where I first started to shape my creative voice, and being recognized by MOBO in this way is a full-circle moment,” he said.

He added that MOBO represents more than just music. “It’s about visibility, opportunity, and pushing culture forward. To be honored with a Paving the Way stone here, where my journey began, is deeply meaningful,” Elba stated.

By receiving this paving stone, Elba joins other notable figures such as Ms Dynamite, Wiley, and Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill, further solidifying his legacy as a cultural icon.