Rihanna aka “Bad Girl RiRi” has been doing a lot of good in the world and she’s being recognized for her efforts.
Harvard University has named Carribean pop star the Humanitarian of the Year for 2017. HU made their decision based on Rihanna‘s deeds that include building an oncology center in her native Barbados to treat breast cancer and creating the Clara and Lionel Foundation Scholarship Program [named after her grandparents] for students from Caribbean countries going to colleges in the United States. She is also supporting theGlobal Partnership for Education and Global Citizen Project, a global education initiative that focuses on supporting girls and others who may not have access to education.
Rihanna joins some elite company. Past Harvard Humanitarians have included tennis legend Arthur Ashe, James Earl Jones and Kofi Annan.
In a speech at BET’s Black Girls Rock event last year, Rihanna spoke on being an unlikely role model.
“You know, role model isn’t the title they like to give me,” she said in accepting the “Rock Star” award. “But that’s why tonight is so important to me because I can inspire a lot of young women to be themselves and that is half the battle.”
You’re going to have to congratulate RiRi from afar though. Tickets are only available to those holding a Harvard ID. She receives her award on Tuesday, Feb. 28.
Photo: WENN.com
