Rihanna has sent a message of unity after winning the Presidents Award from NAACP.
Rihanna was handed the prestigious accolade during the ceremony at the Pasadena Convention Center in recognition of her “groundbreaking career as an artist and musician”, as well as being a “stellar public servant”.
During her appearance at the show – which honours the achievements of people of colour in motion pictures, TV, music, and literature – Rihanna said: “I’m going to try to keep this simple, because tonight really isn’t about me.
“Because the purpose is bigger than me … My part is a very small part of the work that’s being done in this world – and the work that’s yet to be done.”
The chart-topping singer then reflected on her philanthropic efforts.
She said: “If there’s anything that I’ve learned, we can only fix this world together. We can’t do it divided. I cannot emphasise that enough.
“We cannot let the de-sensitivity seep in. The, ‘If it’s your problem, it’s not mine’… When we’re marching and protesting and posting about the Michael Brown Jr.’s and the Atatiana Jefferson’s of the world, tell your friends to pull up.
“We have been denied opportunities since the beginning of time, and still we prevail. Imagine what we could do together.”
Previous recipients of the prestigious award include Ella Fitzgerald, Kerry Washington and Spike Lee.
Elsewhere, Lizzo was named the Entertainer of the Year, having enjoyed a meteoric rise over the last 12 months.
The 31-year-old star overcame competition from Angela Basset, Billy Porter, Regina King and Tyler Perry to win the coveted gong.
Meanwhile, Michael B. Jordan won the Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture prize for his performances in ‘Just Mercy’.
Michael’s co-star Jamie Foxx beat the likes of Leslie Odom, Wesley Snipes, Tituss Burgess and Sterling K. Brown to win the Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture accolade.
Lupita Nyong’o won the award for Outstanding Actress in a Motion Picture for her performance in ‘Us’, seeing off competition from Alfre Woodard, Cynthia Erivo, Jodie Turner-Smith and Naomie Harris to claim the gong.
What’s more, ‘Little’ star Marsai Martin was named the Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture, as well as being the winner of the Outstanding Breakthrough Performance in a Motion Picture prize.
NAACP Image Awards winners:
Entertainer of the Year:
Lizzo
Outstanding Motion Picture:
Just Mercy
Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture:
Michael B Jordan
Outstanding Actress in a Motion Picture:
Lupita Nyong’o
Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture:
Jamie Foxx
Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture:
Marsai Martin
Outstanding Breakthrough Performance in Motion Picture:
Marsai Martin
Outstanding Ensemble Cast in a Motion Picture:
Just Mercy
Outstanding Independent Motion Picture:
Dolemite is My Name
Outstanding Character Voice-Over Performance:
James Earl Jones
Outstanding Comedy Series:
Black-ish
Outstanding Actor in a Comedy Series:
Anthony Anderson
Outstanding Actress in a Comedy Series:
Tracee Ellis Ross
Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series:
Deon Cole
Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series:
Marsai Martin
Outstanding Drama Series:
Greenleaf
Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series:
Omari Hardwick
Outstanding Actress in a Drama Series:
Angela Bassett
Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series:
Harold Perrineau
Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series:
Lynn Whitfield
Outstanding Television Movie, Limited-Series or Dramatic Special:
When They See Us
Outstanding Actor in a Television Movie, Limited-Series or Dramatic Special:
Jharrel Jerome
Outstanding Actress in a Television Movie, Limited-Series or Dramatic Special:
Niecy Nash
Outstanding Directing in a Comedy Series:
Anya Adams
Outstanding Directing in a Drama Series:
50 Cent
Outstanding Directing in a Motion Picture (Television):
Rashid Johnson
Outstanding Directing in a Motion Picture (Film):
Chiwetel Ejiofor
Outstanding Album:
Beyonce
Outstanding New Artist:
Lil Nas X
Outstanding Male Artist:
Bruno Mars
Outstanding Female Artist:
Beyonce
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