Queen Latifah (real name Dana Owens) was awarded an honorary doctorate from Rutgers University, the largest institution of higher education in New Jersey, and she was tapped to give the keynote address.
“Say hello to the Honorary Dr. Dana Owens. Thank you Rutgers University and congratulations to all of the graduates of the class of 2018!,” the NJ native excitedly wrote on social media.
Say hello to the Honorary Dr. Dana Owens 🎓 Thank you Rutgers University and congratulations to all of the graduates of the class of 2018! pic.twitter.com/PZ6XPyECey
— Queen Latifah (@IAMQUEENLATIFAH) May 14, 2018
During her speech, the rapper/actress/producer reflected on how New Jersey helped shaped her into the successful woman she is today.
“This place has shaped me,” the “Jersey Girl” said during her speech. “Whether its been your home for 4 years or 40 years or something in between, you carry it with you just as I have. Long before Living Single and Set It Off and Chicago, it’s lessons that I learned here at home that made me who I am. You may not realize it today, but you will over time that the love you find in family in every size, shape and makeup is a powerful teacher.”
Take a listen to her speech below: