President and CEO of NAACP Derrick Johnson gushes over the Fenty Beauty founder's 'groundbreaking career as an artist and musician' in addition to her great contribution as 'a stellar public servant.'
- February 5, 2020
AceShowbiz - Rihanna will be recognized for her special achievement and distinguished public service. On Tuesday, February 4, the "We Found Love" hitmaker was unveiled to be this year's recipient of the prestigious President's Award, and will be presented with the honor at the 51st NAACP Image Awards in Pasadena, California.
"Global music and fashion icon, business entrepreneur, and philanthropist, Rihanna (@badgalriri), will receive the prestigious President's Award during the 51st #NAACPImageAwards," the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People announced on its Instagram page. "NAACP President @derricknaacp will present the award to Rihanna during the @naacpimageawards on BET."
Speaking about the selection of the 31-year-old singer, President and CEO of the NAACP Derrick Johnson said in a statement, "Rihanna has not only enjoyed a groundbreaking career as an artist and musician, but has also distinguished herself as a stellar public servant." He added that she "epitomizes the type of character, grace, and devotion to justice that we seek to highlight in our President's Award."
The "Umbrella" hitmaker, who was born Robyn Rihanna Fenty, has made her name in music by having 14 number-one singles, winning 9 Grammys, and becoming one of the best-selling musician in the world. In the industry of fashion, she has made her mark with her global beauty brand, Fenty Beauty, lingerie brand, Savage x Fenty, and luxury fashion line, FENTY.
As philanthropist, Rihanna founded the Clara Lionel Foundation in 2012. A tribute for her grandparents Clara and Lionel Braithwaite, her organization aims to improve the quality of life and promote global advocacy for young people around the world as well as to aid under-served communities through health care and education.
This President's Award honor placed Rihanna alongside past recipients which include Jay-Z, Lauryn Hill, Colin Powell, Condoleezza Rice, Jesse Jackson, Soledad O'Brien and Muhammad Ali. The Image Awards itself will be aired live on BET networks on February 22.
