The NAACP announced on Tuesday (February 4) that Rihanna will receive this year’s President’s Award at the organization’s 51st Awards.
The superstar recording artist, fashion designer, and entrepreneur will join the ranks previous President’s Award winners like JAY-Z, Lauryn Hill, and John Legend, which, according to the NAACP, “is presented in recognition special achievement and distinguished public service.”
Rihanna, who has won nine Grammys and holds seven RIAA certified platinum albums, first rose to public interest in 2005 with her debut album, Music the Sun, and since has become one the best-selling musicians all time.
In addition to her music, Rihanna has grown her FENTY Beauty label into a global powerhouse, designing lines beauty products, luxury fashion, and lingerie.
Along with her own personal enterprises, Rihanna’s dedication to her Clara Lionel Foundation (CLF), which provides education and emergency response services to those who need it globally, has led NAACP President and CEO, Derrick Johnson, to laud her as the epitome “the type character, grace, and devotion to justice that we seek to highlight in our President’s Award.”
Rihanna and the other NAACP 51st Award winners will be celebrated on February 22nd, live on BET from Pasadena, California.