Before the Fame: Queen Latifah’s Mother’s Struggles and Triumphs as a Young Single Mom

Rita Owens, the mother of the legendary Queen Latifah, led a remarkable life that deeply influenced her daughter’s rise to fame. Born in 1948, Rita’s early years were marked by a whirlwind of challenges, responsibilities, and achievements. From her marriage at the age of 16 to her profound involvement in the community, Rita Owens not only laid the foundation for her family’s future but also became an inspirational figure in her own right—far before Queen Latifah’s stardom.

Early Life and Marriage

Rita Owens’ story began in Newark, New Jersey, where she grew up and later married Lancelot Owens, a Newark police officer, in 1965. At just 16, Rita entered into marriage and quickly became a young mother. She had two children: Lance, born in 1968, and Dana (Queen Latifah), born in 1970. Their family settled in Newark and East Orange, including a housing project in East Newark. This environment would play a key role in shaping the strong, resilient character of Queen Latifah, who later adopted her stage name at the age of 8—a name inspired by a neighborhood trend of Arabic-rooted names, which Rita found amusing. Their close bond was clear, and Rita’s support helped Queen Latifah cultivate her early artistic inclinations.

Family Challenges and Raising Two Children

However, Rita’s marriage faced difficulties, leading to a separation when Queen Latifah was just 8 years old. The couple eventually divorced, which significantly impacted Rita’s responsibilities as a single mother. Despite these challenges, Rita was committed to providing a stable and supportive home for her children, ensuring they had opportunities to succeed in life. The breakdown of her marriage did not deter her; instead, it galvanized her efforts to nurture her children’s growth—especially Queen Latifah, who showed early promise in both academics and creative pursuits.

Professional Life and Community Engagement

Before Queen Latifah’s rise to fame, Rita Owens was a dedicated educator. She worked as an art teacher at Irvington High School, which was also Queen Latifah’s alma mater. This role was significant not only in terms of Rita’s career but also in fostering her daughter’s creativity. Rita’s passion for education extended beyond the classroom as she co-founded a Students Against Crack group at the school during the 1980s and 1990s, actively addressing social issues such as the crack epidemic that affected many communities at the time.

Rita’s influence extended into the entertainment industry, where she played a key role in her daughter’s early career. In the late 1980s to early 1990s, Rita co-founded Flavor Unit Entertainment in Jersey City alongside Queen Latifah and Shakim Compere. This entertainment company became an essential platform for Queen Latifah’s entry into the music industry. Rita’s proactive involvement in Flavor Unit highlighted her belief in her daughter’s potential, helping her navigate the early years of stardom.

Beyond her professional and educational endeavors, Rita was a member of NJPAC’s Jubilation Choir and co-owned a restaurant called Mangos, which served Caribbean and soul food in Hackensack, New Jersey. Through these ventures, she made significant cultural contributions to her local community, providing support for the arts and local businesses.

Personal Struggles and Enduring Legacy

Rita Owens’ life was not without its personal tragedies. In 1992, she faced the heartbreaking loss of her son, Lancelot Owens Jr., in a motorcycle accident. This tragic event deeply affected her, but it also inspired Rita to establish the Lancelot H. Owens Scholarship Foundation in his honor. The foundation focused on providing scholarships for students in underprivileged neighborhoods, ensuring that her son’s memory lived on through her charitable work. This foundation was expanded in 2012, continuing her commitment to education and community upliftment.

Rita also faced health struggles later in life, including heart failure and scleroderma. These conditions, though significant, were addressed with medication and lifestyle changes and came after her daughter’s fame had already taken hold. Nevertheless, Rita’s resilience in both personal and public spheres serves as an inspiration for many.

A Close Mother-Daughter Bond

Throughout Queen Latifah’s rise to fame, Rita was always by her side. Queen Latifah has referred to her mother as “the love of my life,” a testament to their unbreakable bond. Rita supported her daughter’s creative endeavors, including the formation of the rap group Ladies Fresh during Queen Latifah’s high school years. The group won a talent contest, setting the stage for her career in music.

Rita’s influence didn’t stop there; her involvement in Flavor Unit Entertainment was a pivotal role in her daughter’s professional development. From helping establish a career to providing emotional support, Rita Owens played an integral role in Queen Latifah’s success story.

Conclusion: A Life of Influence and Strength

Rita Owens led a life full of challenges, yet her dedication to family, community, and education formed the bedrock of Queen Latifah’s exceptional career. Through her role as a mother, educator, entrepreneur, and philanthropist, Rita shaped not only her daughter’s path to stardom but also contributed significantly to her community. Even before Queen Latifah became the globally recognized icon she is today, Rita Owens was already making an impact, demonstrating unwavering strength, love, and resilience every step of the way.