We know her as Bad Gal RiRi, but singing isn’t the only thing Barbados-born artist Rihanna is all about. Besides winning Grammys and performing rifts, she also is incredibly passionate about human rights issues. In 2006 she created a foundation called “Believe Foundation” to help terminally ill children. When asked about her impetus to start this charity organization, she said “When I was young I would watch television and I would see all the children suffering, I always said: when I grow up, I want to help.”
An artist, humanitarian and a philanthropist, here are four causes Rihanna has supported.
In addition to Believe Foundation, Rihanna also founded the Clara Lionel Foundation, in memory of her grandparents Clara and Lionel Braithwaithe. The purpose of the organization is to improve the healthcare and education of impoverished communities across the globe. Recently the foundation has a need-based scholarship program for students in the United States and Caribbean islands offering scholarships ranging from $5000-50,000.
February 2008, Rihanna teamed up with H&M to design clothing for their “Fashion against AIDS” line, with 25 percent of the proceeds going HIV prevention projects worldwide. Her Viva Glam campaign with MAC in 2014 raised over $60 million for MAC’s AID’s fund.
During her album release, the singer decided use her media prowess to shine a light on the catastrophic consequences of Hurricane Sandy. She donated 1000 sleeping bags to New York Daily News’ Hurricane Sandy relief effort. Instead of having an album listening party, she asked guests to donate diapers, clothing and supplies in a Sandy collection for the victims. She also donated $100,000 to the New York City Food Bank.
In 2008, Rihanna and fifteen notable female artists teamed up to perform “Just Stand Up” during a “Stand Up To Cancer” television special. The program raised over $100 million for cancer research, and the proceeds from the single were given to the fundraiser.
Celebrities get their daily dose of adoration, but not everyone let’s that get to their head. While the spotlight maybe on them, it’s important that prominent culture makers like Rihanna use their media influence and wealth to switch the lime light and contribute to global and domestic human rights issues.
