Queen Latifah Honors Women, Launches Childrens Picture Book

Queen Latifah will continue to promote female empowerment by honoring five more women at the second annual Curvation Project Confidence Awards luncheon, which takes place in New York in early 2007. Queen Latifah, along with a panel of experts, will choose five women from across the country who helped others gain confidence and self-esteem through community education, fund-raising, self-empowerment, and various outreach programs. The five finalists will receive a $3,000 grant toward their program or cause, while one national award recipient will receive an additional $10,000 grant to support her project or program. "I was taught to believe in myself at an early age by strong, independent women like my mother and grandmother, and want to pass this message on to others," Queen Latifah said. "Building women's confidence gives them the strength to live more fulfilling lives." Entries for the awards must be postmarked by Nov. 3. Latifah and the Curvation brand also partnered with the YWCA USA to create the Curvation Project Confidence YWCA Educational Outreach Program, which helps women to build self-esteem and provides training and education programs throughout YWCAs nationwide. In related news, Latifah, who graced the cover of Newsweek Magazine last month, is the latest rapper to embrace the world of children's literature. Last week, the rapper/actress released her first picture book Queen of the Scene. The story, which revolves around a young girl who believes in girl power and having fun, offers a message for kids to respect themselves and have pride.