Queen Latifah was honored during VH1 Save The Music’s 20th anniversary gala.
The foundation celebrated the launch of its new partnership to strengthen music programs in public schools. Latifah was in attendance for the event, being recognized for her contribution to music and her work providing low-income students the opportunity to pursue an education.
“To strip faculties of music and artwork is like stripping your personal soul,” Latifah said during her acceptance speech. “Some individuals discover out what they need to be in life by way of music and artwork…Typically music and artwork can park one thing in you that awakens your thoughts and allows you to know you can attain additional and assume additional.”
DJ Khaled was also honored at the event alongside DJ and music producer Steve Aoki. Khaled received the #ToyotaGiving Award for his work championing music programs in schools and his work for Save the Music’s sister organization Get Schooled.
Aoki was recognized with the Music Innovator Award for his work through the Steve Aoki Charitable Fund and music education advocacy.
“I am deeply humbled by the opportunity to be a part of the amazing work that VH1 Save The Music does,” Latifah said. “This is bigger than just teaching kids how to play instruments – it’s about using music to bring communities together and giving all children a shot at a brighter future.”