Childhood and Education Journey of Queen Latifah in Timeline

Discover the defining moments in the early life of Queen Latifah. From birth to education, explore key events.

Queen Latifah, born Dana Elaine Owens, is a highly acclaimed American rapper, singer, and actress. A recipient of numerous awards including a Grammy, Emmy, and Golden Globe, she's also earned three Screen Actors Guild Awards and two NAACP Image Awards, alongside an Oscar nomination. In 2006, she made history as the first hip hop artist to be honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, solidifying her status as a multifaceted entertainer and cultural icon.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

March 18, 1970: Queen Latifah Born

On March 18, 1970, Dana Elaine Owens, known as Queen Latifah, was born. She is an American rapper, singer, and actress.

Others born on this day/year

1992: Brother's Death

In 1992, Queen Latifah's older brother, Lancelot Jr., was killed in a motorcycle accident. The motorcycle was purchased for him by Latifah.

1995: Carjacking Incident

In 1995, Queen Latifah was the victim of a carjacking, which also resulted in the shooting of her boyfriend, Sean Moon.

2000: Reconciliation with Foxy Brown

In 2000, Foxy Brown and Queen Latifah reconciled. Brown performed her song "Na Na Be Like" on The Queen Latifah Show to prove that the truce was real.

2004: Rita Owens Heart Failure

In 2004, Queen Latifah's mother, Rita Owens, began battling heart failure, which she battled until her death.

2006: Key to the Motorcycle

In a 2006 interview, it was revealed that Queen Latifah still wore the key to the motorcycle she bought for her brother, around her neck.

June 2011: Honorary Doctorate Degree

In June 2011, Queen Latifah received an honorary doctorate degree in Humane Letters from Delaware State University.

January 26, 2014: Officiating Weddings at Grammy Awards

On January 26, 2014, Queen Latifah officiated the weddings of 33 same-sex and opposite-sex couples at the 56th Annual Grammy Awards.

March 21, 2018: Death of Rita Owens

On March 21, 2018, Queen Latifah's mother, actress Rita Owens, died due to heart failure.

2018: Honorary Doctorate from Rutgers University

In 2018, Queen Latifah received an honorary Doctor of Fine Arts Degree by Rutgers University.

January 2020: Discovery of Freed Ancestors

In January 2020, on "Finding Your Roots", Queen Latifah learned that her family was descended from a line of freed Negroes. Her ancestors were listed by name in the U.S. pre–Civil War census of 1860 in Virginia.

2021: Public Acknowledgment of Partner and Son

At the BET Awards 2021, during her acceptance speech for the Lifetime Achievement Award, Queen Latifah publicly acknowledged her partner Eboni Nichols and son Rebel for the first time.