Derrick Johnson, President and CEO of the NAACP, said, “Rihanna has not only enjoyed a ground-breaking career as an artist and musician, but has also distinguished herself as a stellar public servant. From her business achievements through (her cosmetics line) Fenty, to her tremendous record as an activist and philanthropist, Rihanna epitomises the type of character, grace, and devotion to justice that we seek to highlight in our President’s Award."

Rihanna is considered as an eminent and most successful music artists of the past 20 years. So far, she has sold over 250 million records worldwide and bagged nine Grammy Awards.

The Diamonds hit-maker has also launched cosmetic line Fenty Beauty, Savage X Fenty, a lingerie line, and a fashion line.

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The NAACP is honouring her professional work as well as her commitment to social activism and philanthropy. In 2012, she founded the Clara Lionel Foundation, an organisation committed to aiding underserved communities through health care and education.

Past recipients of the President’s Award include last year’s honouree Shawn ‘Jay-Z’ Carter, as well as Jesse Jackson, Lauryn Hill, Soledad O’Brien, Colin Powell, Condoleezza Rice and Muhammad Ali