The city of Paterson honored one of its own on Monday.

Oct. 17 was dubbed “Essence Carson Day” in honor of the WNBA star.

Carson is a Paterson native and played high school basketball in Paterson and at Rutgers University.

"I know sometimes our future seems a little bleak here in Paterson or sometimes it seems like the opportunity isn't there. You can create your own opportunity, force their hand,” Carson says. “You are powerful and more importantly, your mind is extremely powerful."

The city re-named a basketball court in her honor as well.

Carson played several years in the WNBA and won a championship six years ago in Los Angeles.