Queen Latifah is shining a light on her hometown in a new documentary.
Titled "You Can Go Home Again," the film follows the hip-hop pioneer, actress and philanthropist as she develops a housing complex in Newark, New Jersey, for residents.
"It was also important to me to make sure that I'm always an example of someone who comes home and never forgets where she came from," Latifah, 56, told USA TODAY in an interview.
The Grammy-nominated icon reportedly broke ground on the $14 million project in 2022 that aims to improve affordability and accessibility. Her "RISE Living" complex is not only an ode to her upbringing but also to her late mother, Rita Owens, who died in 2018 after a long battle with a heart condition.
"People are trying to maintain
their families, educate themselves, move up in their jobs ... and they need a place to move to that's not so expensive," Latifah said. "They need a break. It's kind of hard. You can't do it all."
Latifah's housing project is an ode to her mother and upbringing
Raised in a single-parent household, Latifah watched her mother balance earning her education and work as an art teacher at a local high school.
"My mother really worked hard. My dad was a police officer," the multihyphenate said. "We're talking about regular state of New Jersey workers who really care about their communities and wanted to do something different, but don't have a lot of money."
In 2026, the average monthly rent in Newark is estimated at $2,000, according to Zillow data. "So you need housing to be affordable, so you're not spending over half your income on housing. That you can actually do other things with that money, invest in your children (and) their programs," the hip-hop icon said.
Latifah recalled having to give up guitar lessons due to financial constraints. "It was always like that, having to choose," she said. Through her efforts, she hopes to help families alleviate similar stressors.
"All of our children deserve the best opportunities, the best education, because they would become the best people. They will change the world. So, we need to make sure their parents have the opportunity to help them do that," Latifah said.
When does 'You Can Go Home Again' premiere?
"You Can Go Home Again" premieres Friday, Nov. 27, on BET at 10 p.m. ET.
Watch 'You Can Go Home Again' Trailer
Taylor Ardrey is a news reporter for USA TODAY. You can reach her at tardrey@usatodayco.com.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Queen Latifah returns home for new housing project documentary
