Categories: Entertainment

Watch Rihanna’s Harvard Humanitarian Acceptance Speech Here

Rihanna was named the 2017 Harvard University Humanitarian of the Year and received the Peter J. Gomes Humanitarian Award on campus for the ceremony on February 28th. 

“I would think to myself, I wonder how many 25 cents I could save up to save all the kids in Africa?, Rihanna stated in her acceptance speech. “And I would say to myself, ‘When I grow up and I get rich, I’m gonna save kids all over the world. I just didn’t know I would be in a position to do that by the time I was a teenager.'”

The Bajan singer, designer, actress, and activist has raised millions of dollars for charitable causes since the beginning of her career in 2005. Rihanna has created the Clara and Lionel Foundation Scholarship Program [named for her grandmother and grandfather] for students attending college in the U.S. from Caribbean countries, and supports the Global Partnership for Education and Global Citizen Project, a multiyear campaign that will provide children with access to education in over 60 developing countries, giving priority to girls and those affected by lack of access to education in the world today.

“All you need to do is help one person, expecting nothing in return. To me, that is a humanitarian,” she continued. “What that little girl watching those commercials didn’t know is that you don’t have to be rich to be a humanitarian, you don’t have to be rich to help somebody. You don’t have to be famous, you don’t even have to be college educated. But it starts with your neighbor”

Rihanna even stated she might come back to Harvard, this time for classes. You can watch Rihanna’s Acceptance speech below.

The entire ceremony is below.

William Carter

Recent Posts

Country Artist Tanner Adell Hits the Road ‘The Buckle Bunny Tour’

Country music sensation Tanner Adell is gearing up to hit the road for her Buckle Bunny tour…

3 weeks ago

#NewMusic: Artist Anessa Strings Releases ‘We Are The Music,’ First Single from Forthcoming ‘The Calm’ EP

In the first single release from her forthcoming "The Calm" EP, Anessa Strings, "We Are…

4 weeks ago

Mariah. Returns with #NewMusic, Tapping Raheem DeVaughn for ‘Hold On Me’

After taking a small hiatus, Mariah. returns with "Hold on Me" and taps R&B veteran…

4 weeks ago

R&B Icon & Veteran Raheem DeVaughn Takes the Helm as New Host of WHUR’s Legendary Quiet Storm

96.3 WHUR is set to usher in a new era for its beloved “Original Quiet…

4 weeks ago

#NewMusic: Ruben Studdard to Celebrate the Season with ‘My Favorite Holiday’ EP, Releases New Single

Ruben Studdard is set to spread holiday cheer with his first-ever Christmas project, "My Favorite…

4 weeks ago

#NewMusic: Megan Thee Stallion Unveils ‘MEGAN: Act II’ with Fresh Tracks & Features

Megan Thee Stallion has expanded her discography with the release of her deluxe album, MEGAN:…

4 weeks ago