Queen Latifah’s decades-long work is getting the recognition it deserves.
On Sunday, the rapper and actress was honored with the lifetime achievement award at the 2021 BET Awards, an embodiment of the show’s theme, “Year of the Black Woman.” Latifah, born Dana Owens, is known for her multi-hyphenate career, showcasing talents from her music and acting to her philanthropy.
“Thank you so much, everyone. Thank you, my sisters — y’all my sisters in the name of rap. You always have been. I’m so extremely moved that I don’t even know what to say. Let me just say that I want to thank God because God designed this whole thing to be this way,” an emotional Latifah, 51, began her acceptance speech."
“There is no way that I could have had the parents that I was born to — my father, my mother [whodied in 2018], who is still so much in me — my family, I love you — my siblings. My best friends who ride or die with me whether my face is on the dirt or I’m flying in the skies — they know me. And they’re there for me.”
Queen Latifah and her father, Lancelot Owens, Sr.Paras Griffin/Getty
Latifah went on to praise Shakim Compere, her business partner in Flavor Unit Entertainment.
“Shakim, I thank you right now for keeping your promise to my mother to always protect me. Thank you for always protecting me and loving me. I love you for that.”
Queen Latifah.Bennett Raglin/Getty
“I’m gonna get off this stage, but I thank you so much for all of you, the fans for supporting every crazy-ass thing I’ve done through the years. And thank you for makingEqualizerNo. 1. Eboni, my love. Rebel, my love. Peace — Happy Pride!”
RELATED VIDEO: Queen Latifah on Finding Strength and Breaking Barriers: I Couldn’t Have Imagined My Life Would’ve Gone This Way
Ahead of the show, BET Awards host Taraji P. Hensonraved to PEOPLEabout Latifah’s ability to do so much in her career, from her talk show and acting to working in several genres of music.
“I’m grateful that we’re giving Queen Latifah her flowers while she’s still alive. This is an award that is long overdue for her. She taught me that it’s more to acting than just being in front of the camera,” she said.
Listen below toour daily podcast PEOPLE Every Dayfor more on 2021 BET Awards.
Earlier this year, theEqualizerstar opened up on thePEOPLE Every Daypodcastto discuss the ways her parents — beloved school teacher Rita Owens, and police tactical officer Lancelot Owens, Sr. — raised her to be as strong as she is today, preparing her to become a trailblazer for Black culture.
“I’m not dependent on the world telling me who I am,” said the actress. “I have people who really will go through the fire with me and I’ll go through the fire with them and we have.”
source: people.com
