Council rarely gives out a “key to the city” these days, but Austin entrepreneur and philanthropist John Paul DeJoria was honored with a key during a proclamation Thursday honoring his commitment to doing good. Council Member Natasha Harper-Madison noted that DeJoria’s Peace, Love & Happiness Foundation had given her struggling flower shop a gift several years ago. She said that his vision and hard work had led to the success that allowed him to create the foundation. DeJoria, who is best known as the co-founder of the Paul Mitchell line of hair products, was at one point homeless, and that experience has guided his philanthropy. He has donated millions to help homeless people as well as to environmental protection and helping animals. As he declared April 10 to be Peace, Love & Happiness Day, Mayor Kirk Watson told DeJoria he had not given anyone a key to the city during this term as mayor, but his exceptional work in helping people won him that key. DeJoria asked Watson where he could find the door to fit the symbolic key, a large replica in a frame. Watson replied that he wanted to see the door too if DeJoria found it.
Jo Clifton is the Politics Editor for the Austin Monitor. More by Jo Clifton