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Posted: 2021-06-28T03:21:45Z | Updated: 2021-06-29T20:08:25Z

Whether you know Queen Latifah as a hip-hop icon, sitcom legend, Oscar-nominated actor or rom-com queen, no one can deny shes changed the culture for the better.

Now, she can add Lifetime Achievement Award winner to her untouchable resume, after being honored at the 2021 BET Awards on Sunday night, an evening with the theme The Year of the Black Woman.

Following in the footsteps of past recipients, including Whitney Houston and Mary J. Blige, Latifah (ne Dana Owens) was honored at the in-person ceremony at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles for her contributions to Black music and pop culture over her decades-spanning career.

After an introduction from rapper MC Lyte, rapper Rapsody paid tribute to Latifah by performing unapologetic feminist rap anthem Ladies First along with rapper Monie Love. Lil Kim came out in all white to perform U.N.I.T.Y., with MC Lyte also joining in.

Latifah took to the stage to accept the award, stunning in a black, white and pink gown with a cape.

I want to thank BET for creating an outlet for beautiful blackness to thrive, to shine, when we couldnt get played on the radio and other places, she said in her speech. We couldnt get our videos played in other places; there was BET that allowed us to be in our fullness and to shine.

Latifah also thanked longtime business partner Shakim Compere, whom she says she would not be standing on the stage without his dreams, aspirations and partnership.