Another round of hand-claps are in order for Queen Latifah. The rapper, actress, singer, producer, host and overall icon is set to receive the prestigious 2018 Marian Anderson Award, which is given to artists with philanthropic affiliations to Philadelphia.
Latifah is making history with this honor, now becoming the youngest person to receive the award (which was founded in 1998) and the first rapper to win, following behind recipients like Dionne Warwick, Oprah Winfrey, Elizabeth Taylor, Maya Angelou and Patti LaBelle.
According to the Philadelphia Inquirer, the state’s Mayor Jim Kenney couldn’t think of anyone more “vibrant and responsive.” “Queen Latifah is an excellent role model and clearly a well-deserving recipient of this prestigious honor,” Kenney said.
According to Willa Hightower, chair of the Marian Anderson Award board, Latifah’s honor marks a milestone for the award, which is named after the famed Philly-born opera singer. “We’re celebrating 20 years of serving the community,” she said. “We’re celebrating 20 years of honoring artists who really made a difference beyond what their God-given talent has provided them. Latifah will receive her award at a gala on Nov. 20.
The multi-hyphenate has been a busy bee both within and outside of the entertainment industry. She teamed up with Strayer University for a course on confidence, kickstarted a filmmaking initiative for women and will be hosting Black Girls Rock 2018 in her hometown. Add all that on top of the fact that her Living Single cast member Erika Alexander teased the possibility of a reboot (or something like it).
Keep up the good work, Queen.
READ MORE: Queen Latifah And Strayer University To Kickstart 11-Week Course On Confidence