2008 Woodie Awards
NEWARK HAILS ITS OWN QUEEN
Daphne Davalie
Issue date: 1/17/06 Section: News
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Queen Latifah reigned over the premiere of her new movie "Last Holiday" in Newark last Wednesday as hundreds of fans awaited her red carpet arrival.
One little fan, Mia Owens, 10, whose father attended high school with LL Cool J, was asked why she would stand in the cold rain to see the "Last Holiday" star. "She's an inspiration," she answered.
Not even pouring rain and bitter cold would prevent them from paying homage to the Queen.
Latifah was at home on the red carpet, rolled out front of the Newark Screens neighborhood theater on Springfield Avenue. She arrived in a warm pink suede and fur jacket and crème pants rather than the usual formal attire.
Queen Latifah's arrival was made known by loud screaming and chanting, "Queen, Queen!!" Latifah answered her fans with an enthusiastic wave and many sincere handshakes as she made her way down the wet and crowded red carpet.
When asked why she decided to have the premiere in Newark instead of Los Angeles, the Newark native responded, "Because Jersey's been showing us love."
Latifah returned Jersey's love tenfold by bringing Hollywood home. In addition to her bubbling personality, Latifah always wears a smile and keeps her purse open. When asked what she does to give back she confidently responded, "This is what I'm doing to give back. Look around, look around, this is for Newark. I have a scholarship foundation. I'm there, trust me."
She has also personally opened her purse to those affected by Hurricane Katrina by hosting a telethon for Black Entertainment Television which raised over $10 million and she's given $100,000 of her own money. Furthermore, Latifah even paid apartment bills for a few families who she says are doing fine now.
The movie was also the last motion pictured shot on location in New Orleans before the hurricane last year.
Latifah, born Dana Owens, grew up in Newark and lived in East Orange and Irvington.
She won a Grammy for her 1993 single "U.N.I.T.Y" and was nominated for a Golden Globe for her role in the movie version of "Chicago." She has also appeared in several sit-coms and had her own short lived daytime talk show in 1999.
One little fan, Mia Owens, 10, whose father attended high school with LL Cool J, was asked why she would stand in the cold rain to see the "Last Holiday" star. "She's an inspiration," she answered.
Not even pouring rain and bitter cold would prevent them from paying homage to the Queen.
Latifah was at home on the red carpet, rolled out front of the Newark Screens neighborhood theater on Springfield Avenue. She arrived in a warm pink suede and fur jacket and crème pants rather than the usual formal attire.
Queen Latifah's arrival was made known by loud screaming and chanting, "Queen, Queen!!" Latifah answered her fans with an enthusiastic wave and many sincere handshakes as she made her way down the wet and crowded red carpet.
When asked why she decided to have the premiere in Newark instead of Los Angeles, the Newark native responded, "Because Jersey's been showing us love."
Latifah returned Jersey's love tenfold by bringing Hollywood home. In addition to her bubbling personality, Latifah always wears a smile and keeps her purse open. When asked what she does to give back she confidently responded, "This is what I'm doing to give back. Look around, look around, this is for Newark. I have a scholarship foundation. I'm there, trust me."
She has also personally opened her purse to those affected by Hurricane Katrina by hosting a telethon for Black Entertainment Television which raised over $10 million and she's given $100,000 of her own money. Furthermore, Latifah even paid apartment bills for a few families who she says are doing fine now.
The movie was also the last motion pictured shot on location in New Orleans before the hurricane last year.
Latifah, born Dana Owens, grew up in Newark and lived in East Orange and Irvington.
She won a Grammy for her 1993 single "U.N.I.T.Y" and was nominated for a Golden Globe for her role in the movie version of "Chicago." She has also appeared in several sit-coms and had her own short lived daytime talk show in 1999.