Inspiring Words: Queen Latifah
The actor's crowning achievement is her work supporting hands-on learning.
We're inside a small Manhattan nightclub in the middle of the day. Photographers fiddle with their cameras. Voices buzz in anticipation. It feels like we're waiting for royalty.
In fact, we are. Queen Latifah is expected any minute. She's the guest of honor at a lunch celebrating the work of students and teachers involved in The League, a school-based organization that provides K-12 teachers with free lesson plans that focus on community service.
Latifah made her name as a hip-hop artist but now is most famous as an actor. Her role in the hit film Chicago earned her an Oscar nomination in 2002. Last fall, she began using her star power to inspire schools to get involved in The League. Participating classes compete in a friendly rivalry based on time donated and money raised. As students plant trees or collect food for the hungry, they learn about giving back while earning recognition for their efforts.
Latifah's passion for a program that promotes hands-on learning is not surprising. Her mother was an art teacher. "My mom always excited me about learning," she says. "I'm partial to people who get kids excited about being educated and who expose them to things that keep them interested in learning."
Back at the party, Latifah makes her entrance. Students and teachers converge on the star, who doles out hugs. "I've been blessed," says Latifah. "I want to make sure the next generation has opportunities to achieve like I did."
