We’ve all heard inspiring stories of music artists from the hood who make it big but never forget where they came from. Dana Owens is one of them. Who’s that, you may ask? We’re talking about the iconic Queen Latifah!
Almost half a decade ago, little miss Owens was born in a small town in New Jersey called Newark. And as we say, life is full of endless possibilities and you never know where it will take you in a few years’ time. This was true for Queen Latifah who had to work tirelessly to climb the ladder of success and become the famous rapper that she is now. And Newark is just about to appreciate her even more.
A Good Cause
With her fortune, Queen Latifah is back home for a good cause. She is currently following up a $14 million housing project in the hopes of building an apartment unit with affordable housing. When complete, the complex will host 20 townhouses going at market rate in addition to 16 housing apartments which will be affordable to local residents since they’ll be charged according to an individual’s income. The townhouses will be spacious enough to host three families comfortably.
Latifah’s project, scheduled to kick off this summer, is a fruit of the rapper’s BlueSugar Corporation’s collaboration with GonSosa Development. According to Cristina Pinzon, the project’s spokesperson, the developers were attracted to Newark due to their dedication to uplifting lives. In providing affordable housing, they are certain to make life easier for a considerable number of people.
Still, those looking forward to inhabiting the 16 apartments will have to exercise a little patient as they are scheduled to be ready by December 2021. As for those hoping for the townhouses going at market rate, December 2020 is the month to look out for. These units will reportedly be up for rent for just $1,800 a month.
Although Queen Latifah is yet to make a public announcement on the project, she has recently been displaying an I’m-proud-of-my-hometown vibe. Sometime last year, she reiterated that Newark’s export to the world is and always has been strong, unique, and creative people. She went on to say that the growth in the town was primarily for the resilience of its residents. Come to the fruition of her project, and the development will also house a gym of sorts and a considerable commercial space. As is the guess, the area will be rented out to non-profits in the neighborhood.
Speaking for the Voiceless
We can all agree that Queen Latifah has long been championing for the rights of the underprivileged. She even made a mark on the rap industry giving a voice to black women, mostly on matters concerning domestic violence and other relationship issues.
She has also never shied away from talking about her personal struggles and how she gets over them. Years ago, she confessed to having battled depression and addiction, though she eventually recovered and regained control over her life. Latifah talks about her troubles in the hopes of being an inspiration to the millions who undoubtedly look up to her. Back in the day, we could say she lived a gangster life. She faced charges of marijuana possession and was also convicted for a DUI. Currently, however, she is a voice of hope and reason for people who need one.
