Rihanna is set to receive the President’s Award at the 51st NAACP Image Awards.
The honor will recognize the Barbadian singer, songwriter, and businesswoman’s career achievements and public service record.
“Rihanna has not only enjoyed a groundbreaking career as an artist and musician but has also distinguished herself as a stellar public servant,” said Derrick Johnson, president and CEO of the NAACP. “From her business achievements through Fenty to her tremendous record as an activist and philanthropist, Rihanna epitomizes the type of character, grace and devotion to justice that we seek to highlight in our President’s Award.”
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In addition to her music career, Rihanna oversees a beauty and fashion empire that includes Fenty Beauty and Savage X Fenty lingerie. The 31-year-old entertainer also founded the Clara Lionel Foundation (CLF) in 2012, in honor of her grandparents, Clara and Lionel Braithwaite. The foundation supports and funds educational and emergency response programs around the world.
Last year Shawn “Jay-Z” Carter, who signed Rihanna to a record deal at Def Jam when she was a teenager, received the President’s Award. Other previous recipients include Jesse Jackson, Lauryn Hill, Soledad O’Brien, Colin Powell, Condoleezza Rice, and Muhammad Ali.
The NAACP Image Awards will air on BET on Saturday, February 22.
