CROWNED: Missy & Latifah Receive National Medal of Arts
Iconology. ~The historical analysis and interpretive study of symbols or images and their contextual significance. It’s also the title of Missy Elliott’s 2019 EP release. How fitting for the herstory that has just been made in recognition of the decades long work curated by these Queens that have impacted generations.
When you think of names like Queen Latifah and Missy Elliott, you think of historical symbols. Their multi talents have delivered major influence in music, film, and beyond. These women, who’s artistry we all grew up to in many ways are Hip Hop royalty, Sheros and the essence of Black Girl Magic.
Rightfully so, the pair of legends were among 39 honored with the highest award given to artists by the federal government, making Hip Hop history as the genre’s first recipients!
“The National Medal of Arts is awarded by the president of the United States to individuals or groups who are deserving of special recognition by reason of their outstanding contributions to the excellence, growth, support, and availability of the arts in the United States.”
The prestigious National Medals of Arts and National Humanities honors were handed out by President Biden, following his standing ovation to the artists at a white house ceremony dedicated to the occasion.
“Above all, you are the masters of your craft that have made us a better America with all of you have done,” the President said in a salute at the ceremony
The event which celebrated both the 2022 and 2023 National Medal of Arts recipients due to the pandemic included honorees Spike Lee, Eva Longoria Ken Burns, Steven Spielberg, and late singer Selena Quintanilla.
Missy Elliott and Queen Latifah represented Hip Hop and the culture in an enormous way for the first time in this space. The honor is well deserved and they both are forever our Queens. Salute! #CROWNED