“The Queen Gives Back: Queen Latifah’s Philanthropic Efforts and Activism”
Queen Latifah is imparting knowledge gleaned from her journey towards self-acceptance.
The actress discussed how her sense of identity has changed over time in an award speech at the first-ever TheGrio Awards in Beverly Hills. “For me, it all begins with the family,” 52-year-old Latifah told the crowd during the event honoring idols, leaders, and legends who have had an influence on the Black community and culture. “My parents instilled in me the belief that Black beauty is admirable. Black is gorgeous, black is gorgeous. Black is acceptable.”
“You start saying it enough and you start believing me,” she went on. I was thus being prepared for an entire universe at the moment, which I was unaware of.”
“I didn’t know I was a girl, initially, I had to be told that,” Latifah stated. “I needed an explanation for it, as I was acting like a boy and running around in my T-shirt off. Since I was free to participate in the sports, I needed an explanation of all of these things.” She said, “And so my whole life would feel like I’ve been trying to maintain my freedom to be me.”
