TRENDING

We all know that girl power is important. It encourages us to be true to ourselves and to seek out the rights and opportunities we deserve, and on February 22 Rihanna brought girl power and more to the NAACP awards. The NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People) fights to "secure the political, educational, social, and economic equality of rights in order to eliminate race-based discrimination and ensure the health and well-being of all persons." Rihanna was presented with The President's Award for all the work she's done to further the NAACP's cause, but instead of making a traditional "thank you" speech, she turned the tables.

Decked out in a brilliant purple gown, Rihanna spoke her mind and shared her most important piece of wisdom: "How many of us in this room have colleagues and partners and friends from other races, sexes, religions?" the singer asked. "Well then, 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 posting about the Michael Brown Jr.s and the Atatiana Jeffersons of the world, tell your friends to pull up."

Rihanna's message is clear: You can and should be moved to do something about racial injustice, even if the injustice doesn't affect you directly. The burden of fighting back shouldn't rest on victims' shoulders alone...we all can *and should* "pull up." Thanks for the reminder, Riri!

Which part of Rihanna's speech resonated with you most? Let us know in the comments!

by Haley Brown | 2/26/2020