In a historic moment at the White House, rapper, actor, and singer Queen Latifah joined an illustrious class of honorees at the Kennedy Center Honors show. The East Room reception, hosted by President Joe Biden, paid tribute to the cultural contributions of remarkable artists, including Dionne Warwick, Billy Crystal, Barry Gibb of Bee Gees fame, and opera star Renée Fleming.
President Biden, reflecting on the enduring love for arts and culture in America, hailed the unique place these artists hold in the nation’s conscience and soul. Queen Latifah, renowned for her contributions to both music and film, was celebrated not just for the length and scope of her career but also for her profound impact on the country’s diverse landscape.
After years of speculation about her sexuality, Queen Latifah publicly acknowledged her partner Eboni Nichols and son Rebel during her acceptance speech at the 2021 BET Awards, marking a significant personal milestone. Her accolades include a Grammy Award, a Primetime Emmy Award, a Golden Globe Award, three Screen Actors Guild Awards, and two NAACP Image Awards. In 2003, she earned an Academy Award nomination for her role in “Chicago.”
President Biden praised Queen Latifah as a natural storyteller, emphasizing her ability to address a wide range of issues through her music. He lauded her historic Oscar nomination as the first woman in hip-hop and her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, highlighting her multifaceted achievements.
Furthermore, the president acknowledged Queen Latifah’s contributions beyond entertainment, including her honorary degree from Delaware State University and her work as a mentor for young women of color and in affordable housing initiatives in Newark, her hometown. Her Kennedy Center Honor, presented on the 50th anniversary of hip-hop, symbolizes the limitless possibilities when individuals discover their voices, craft their stories, and share them with the world. Queen Latifah’s recognition is a testament to the enduring power of artistic expression and its ability to shape culture and society.