Queen Latifah’s Newark Roots Revealed: How Her Family Legacy Fuels a $15 Million Housing Revolution

Long before Queen Latifah was a Grammy-winning rapper, Oscar-nominated actress, or beloved television host, she was Dana Owens—a girl growing up in Newark, New Jersey, raised on the values of resilience, hard work, and togetherness. Decades later, those same values continue to fuel her mission to give back, making her not just a star but a transformative force for her hometown.

Born on March 18, 1970, Latifah’s roots in Newark run deep: her family has called the city home for over a century. With a father who served as a police officer, a mother who taught school, and a grandfather who ran a local hardware store, Latifah’s upbringing was steeped in the daily realities and challenges of urban life. Attending local Catholic and public schools, excelling in basketball, and performing in school plays, she became part of Newark’s vibrant community fabric—a grounding that would shape her worldview and her music.

Latifah’s rise to international fame didn’t sever her connection to Newark; it strengthened her resolve to give back. Nowhere is this more evident than in the RISE Living project, a $15 million affordable housing development she spearheaded in Newark’s South Ward. Named in honor of her late mother, Rita Owens, “RISE” stands for “Rita Is Still Everywhere”—a testament to the spirit of service that defined Latifah’s family. The project, completed in 2023, offers 76 units that mix affordable and market-rate housing, along with space for local nonprofits, fitness and business centers, and amenities designed for long-term community benefit.

Latifah’s vision for RISE Living is both practical and personal. In a city where nearly 60% of renters are cost-burdened and affordable housing is scarce, her initiative directly addresses an urgent need. By blending market-rate townhomes with subsidized units, she’s working to create opportunities for working families, seniors, and others struggling to keep a roof over their heads. Her leadership on this front is backed by city support and innovative tax incentives, but its heart lies in her belief that everyone deserves a safe, dignified place to call home.

But Latifah’s engagement with Newark goes beyond brick and mortar. In September 2022, she hosted the city’s “24 Hours of Peace” event—a day-long celebration featuring concerts, town halls, and community conversations aimed at reducing violence and building solidarity. Her presence and passion at such events underscore her commitment to fostering hope and healing in her city.

Latifah’s efforts have earned her accolades such as the W.E.B. Du Bois Medal for contributions to Black history and culture, but perhaps her greatest legacy is the lasting impact she’s made on Newark itself. From affordable housing to public celebrations, she embodies the ideals she learned growing up: resilience, compassion, and the unshakeable conviction that giving back is the highest form of success.

As Queen Latifah continues to innovate—planning more creative projects, senior housing, and eco-friendly developments—her journey remains a blueprint for using fame as a force for good. She is, at her core, a daughter of Newark, still guided by the same values that made her a star. And in staying true to her origins, she lifts her city right alongside her.