'The Purpose is Bigger Than Me': Rihanna Gives Speech at NAACP Image Awards

51st NAACP Image Awards - Show

While being honored during this years' NAACP Image Awards on Saturday in Pasadena, California, Rihanna had some powerful things to share with the world.

In celebration for her philanthropic efforts, the 32-year old took the stage to accept her President's Award while asking everyone to unite in order to "fix this world together."

“Tonight is not really about me, because the purpose is bigger than me, right?” Rihanna stated at the start of her three-minute speech. “It’s not bigger than us together, but it’s bigger than me, because my part is a very small part of the work that is being done in this world and the work that is yet to be done.

The NAACP recently announced they chose the Barbados born icon to receive this year's President's Award to honor her “groundbreaking career as an artist and musician, but (who) has also distinguished herself as a stellar public servant.”

We can't let the de-sensitivity seep in," she said. "The 'if it's your problem, then it's not mine.' 'It's a woman's problem.' 'It's a black people problem.' 'It's a poor people problem.' I mean, how many of us in this room have colleagues and partners and friends from other races, sexes, religions: show of hands? Well, then you know they want to break bread with you, right? They like you. Well, then this is their problem, too. So when we're marching and protesting and and posting about the Michael Brown Jrs. and the Atatiana Jeffersons of the world, tell your friends to pull up."

Rihanna concluded the speech by reminding everyone that through unity, things could get done. "Imagine what we could do together."

Check out the full speech below.

Photo: Getty


Sponsored Content

Sponsored Content