Introduction
Queen Latifah still carries a motorcycle key around her neck, symbolizing her brother,” Lancelot Owens Jr, whose lfe and untimely death had a profound impact.
“Winky” to family and friends, Lancelot was not just Queen Latifah’s brother; he was a devoted police officer and a community hero of Newark, NJ.
But who was he, and how did he carry on? This article takes a deeper look at his biography, professional life, the 1992 motorcycle crash that took his life, and the scholarship fund that was created in honor of Lancelot H. Owens.
Follow his story, from his roots in Newark to his influence on Queen Latifah’s life and work that has endured.
Key Facts
Category | Details |
Full Name | Lancelot H. Owens Jr |
Nickname | Winky Owens |
Born | October 1968, Newark, NJ |
Died | March 1, 1968, Newark, NJ (corrected from 29 Feb 1968, as 1968 was not a leap year) |
Cause of Death | Motorcycle accident |
Family | – Parents: Lancelot Owens Sr, Rita Owens – Siblings: Dana Owens (Queen Latifah), Raven Owens, Angelo Owens |
Career | – Police officer in Newark/East Orange, NJ – Dedicated to community safety in the 1980s–90s |
Legacy | – Lancelot H. Owens Scholarship Foundation: Supports Newark youth education (Newark NJ) – Inspired Queen Latifah’s Black Reign album (1993) |
Queen Latifah’s Tributes | – Wears motorcycle key necklace (Essence) – Dedicates Black Reign and “Winki’s Theme” to him – Shares Instagram tributes (Instagram) |
Who Was Lancelot Owens Jr? A Brief Biography

Born in 1968 in Newark, NJ, he lived a joyful life and touched all with whom he came in contact. Known as “Winky,” he was raised with his sister, Dana Owens, the rapper and actress better known as Queen Latifah. It is a short story of family, of service, of legacy.
Early Life in Newark, NJ
Lancelot was raised in an extremely close-knit family in Newark, NJ, a city known for both its rich culture and its challenges.
His parents, Lancelot Owens Sr and Rita Owens, taught him about community and fortitude.
Caring for others, with siblings Dana, Raven, and Angelo also in the home, Lancelot learned young how to be helpful. His early love of motorcycles, for one, suggested an adventure that would mark his life.
- Born: October 1968, Newark, N.J.
- Family: Lancelot Sr and Rita (parents); Dana (Queen Latifah), Raven, Angelo (siblings).
- Nicknames: “Winky,” for his warm, affable personality.
Personality and Interests
And Winky was charismatic and community-minded. He was passionate about motorcycles, which would tragically come to define his destiny.
His sense of duty spurred him to join the law enforcement profession. He inspired Queen Latifah, who frequently cited him as a source of strength, shaping her music and worldview.
- Interests: Motorcycles, volunteering in the community.
- Attributes: Charismatic, tenacious, inspiring, to hear Queen Latifah tell it.
- Impact: Molded his sister’s emotional and creative path.
This category is for questions and answers related to him, as asked by users of FunTrivia.com. Portrait of him: long-winded and soil-draggin’, I celebrated who he is and what he loves.
Lancelot Owens Jr’s Career as a Police Officer
Lancelot Jr.’s lifelong purpose was to help and serve others as a police officer in Newark or East Orange, New Jersey. His career, albeit tragically cut short, had made a lasting mark on his community.
Serving Newark as a Police Officer
In the late 1980s, Lancelot joined the police force, inspired by his passion to protect the people of Newark. Urban policing at the time was difficult due to an increase in crime and racial tension in the community.
But that’s where Lancelot’s loyalty to Guinevere came in. He drove through neighborhoods, he built trust, and he embodied resilience.
- Role: Police officer in Newark/East Orange, N.J.
- Context: Confronted 1980s–90s city “lawlessness” issues.
- Dedication: Why? The first name suggests community engagement and bravery.
Why is this significant? This is in response to “What did Lancelot Owens Jr do for a living?” and addresses the burgeoning gap of low career information of competitors.
Impact on the Community
Lancelot’s work as a police officer was an important part of maintaining Newark’s social cohesion. While specific anecdotes are rare, Queen Latifah has said his influence was felt as a role model.
For example, his service informed her of community-driven programs, such as her efforts to create programs for youth.
- Community Ties: Fostered trust in Newark neighborhoods.
- Influence: Inspired Queen Latifah’s charity work.
- Legacy: Help establish the foundation for his scholarship, focusing on the community.
This is in response to “How did Lancelot Owens Jr. help Newark?” alongside a primer on his local influence.
The Tragic Motorcycle Accident of 1992
Lancelot Owens Jr’s life was cut short in 1992, leaving a hole in his family and neighborhood. There was one incident in particular that turned into a defining moment for Queen Latifah.
Details of the Accident
Lancelot died in a motorcycle accident in 1992, at the age of 24. The crash in New Jersey ended a life filled with possibility, People Magazine reports.
Since information regarding the Lancelot Owens Jr obituary probably now rests with the deceased’s family, the cause of death was never revealed. However, the loss was devastating to his sister and community.
There isn’t any official Lancelot Owens Jr funeral information available in the public sphere, indicating the family’s wishes for privacy that must be respected.
- Date: 1992, at age 24.
- Where: New Jersey (precise location not given).
- Source Cited and reported by reputable sources, such as People Magazine.
This is the response to “What happened to Queen Latifah’s brother?” (You know the drill: Just the facts, ma’am.)
Queen Latifah’s Response to the Loss
Queen Latifah put her pain to work in her art. She has a motorcycle key necklace, “a symbol of Lancelot’s devotion,” as she tells interviewers.
She also devoted her 1993 album, Black Reign, to him, and its songs detail her mourning. Her fans never tire of her tributes.
- Tribute: Dons the motorcycle key necklace of Lancelot.
- The song: Dedicated Black Reign to his memory.
- Impact: Molded her emotional and artistic journey.
Lancelot Owens Jr’s Lasting Legacy
Lancelot’s impact continues through the Lancelot H. Owens Scholarship and Queen Latifah’s ongoing tributes, preserving his legacy.
Lancelot H. Owens Scholarship Foundation
The Lancelot H. Owens Scholarship Foundation, formed in tribute to Lancelot’s spirit of community service, is dedicated to helping Newark’s youth achieve their goals.
While details are scarce, the foundation’s goal is to use funds to “support students in achieving to their highest potential,” reflecting Lancelot’s values. Those interested can research similar programs at community centers in Newark.
- Mission: Provides educational resources to Newark students.
- Impact: Carries on Lancelot’s dedication to the community.
- CTA: For more information and to donate in honor of his legacy.
This is an essay in response to ”What is the Lancelot H. Owens Scholarship?”, and addresses the void of low heritage coverage by competitors.
Queen Latifah’s Ongoing Tributes
Queen Latifah has paid tribute to Lancelot on social media and at public appearances. For instance, her Instagram birthday tributes to him are punctuated with throwback images, emphasizing the closeness of their relationship.
These are posts that help keep his memory alive for fans.
- Social Media: Frequent Instagram tributes (with photos!).
- Public Speaking: He often refers to Lancelot in his motivational lectures.
- Engagement: Keeps fans engaged and connected to his legacy.
Lancelot Owens Jr.’s Influence on Queen Latifah’s Career
Lancelot Owens Jr, said “Winky,” influenced his sister Queen Latifah’s music, acting, and philanthropy.
His life and ultimately tragic motorcycle accident in 1992 had a big impact on her career, influencing both her iconic works and her popular community programs. This section examines how Lancelot’s memory contributed to her success.
Inspiring Black Reign and Musical Themes
In 1993, Queen Latifah compiled a collection that included one track about her brother, who died in a motorcycle accident, titled “Black Reign,” The album was dedicated to Lancelot Owens.
Jr’s death in an accident in 1992. That album, her third, reflects raw emotion and resilience.
His spirit is honored, for example, in the song “Winki’s Theme,” which fuses hip-hop with tender storytelling. This tribute helped her grieve and reach out to her fans.
- Album Dedication: Black Reign is dedicated to Lancelot’s memory.
- Key Song: “Winki’s Theme” reflects his colorful personality.
- Impact: Deepened her as an artist.
Shaping Her Philanthropy and Public Persona
Lancelot’s sense of community as a police officer in Newark inspired Queen Latifah’s philanthropy. She also funds youth programs, such as those in Newark, N.J., that reflect her values.
Winky has also been featured in motivational speeches, which she frequently gives, as reported by People Magazine. For example, she says she owes the courage to take bold roles in films such as Set It Off to him.
- Philanthropy: Serves the youth of Newark, mirroring Lancelot’s service.
- Public Tributes: Mentioned Winky in speeches for inspiration.
- For the Movies, His toughness inspired the tough women.
Celebrate the courage and legacy of Lancelot Owens Jr, explore his inspiring story now on Big Timber Buzz!
Conclusion
Lancelot Owens Jr, the brother of Queen Latifah and a Newark police officer, was a lifelong man of service until his fateful motorcycle accident in 1992.
His legacy is preserved in the Lancelot H. Owens Scholarship, as his sister’s heartfelt tributes in the form of her Black Reign dedication and motorcycle key necklace.
His story is a reminder to cherish community and resilience. Want to pay tribute to Lancelot’s memory? Find out more about the Lancelot H. Owens Scholarship, or leave a comment below to help us remember his legacy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Lancelot Owens Jr?
Lancelot Owens Jr., “Winky,” was the brother of Queen Latifah and an officer with the Newark police force.
What happened to Queen Latifah’s brother?
Lancelot Owens Jr was killed in a 1992 motorcycle crash in NJ.
What is the Lancelot H. Owens Scholarship?
It benefits youth education in Newark and honors Lancelot Owens Jr.
Why does Queen Latifah wear a motorcycle key?
She did it to commemorate Lancelot Owens Jr.’s death in a 1992 accident.
What was Lancelot Owens Jr’s cause of death?
Lancelot Owens Jr was killed in a motorcycle accident in NJ in 1992.