Rihanna’s Super Bowl Performance Was A Top-Tier Event For Black History Month

Not all of us can represent everything that we stand for. 

Cue Rihanna: An artistic icon, philanthropist, businesswoman, Black West Indian, and mother. 

The 9-time Grammy award winner proudly flaunts her Barbadian in her dance and home life. She is the proud owner of business lines Fenty Beauty, Fenty Skin, and Savage X Fenty.

As for being a mother, Rihanna’s Super Bowl performance at the 2023 Halftime Show — one of the largest globally televised events — saw the singer announcing her second pregnancy. Rihanna and A$AP Rocky, the singer’s partner of three years, already share a son together.

It’d been a good seven years since Rihanna’s last performance. And at seven months pregnant, the megastar showed the world that she can make the ultimate comeback. 

Rihanna’s Background And Rise To Fame 

Rihanna, full name Robyn Rihanna Fenty, was born in St. Michael Parish, Barbados on February 20th, 1988 to Monica and Ronald Fenty. As the child of an accountant and a warehouse supervisor respectively, Rihanna’s musical dreams were self-made and self-manifested. 

At 14, Rihanna devoted a lot of her energy to realizing her dream of being a singer. She signed with Def Jam Recordings at the age of 16. Her first major hit was “Pon de Replay.” The rest is history. 

Except, it’s not. 

Rihanna’s Rich History Of Good And Bad Times

Rihanna’s story is a perfect example of how one of the least respected, most abused segments of the population — namely, black women — can overcome their environment and banish stereotypes.

While Barbados is a beautiful developing state, the country’s talents don’t typically make it to the international stage. When Rihanna blew up, she received backlash about her looks, attitude, and dating life.

Yet, her strength shone through in the same areas people used to attack her. Although the dynamic singer experienced domestic abuse at the hands of former partner Chris Brown, she would eventually find love and settle down with fellow musician, A$AP Rocky.

Maybe this time, Rihanna will live out the words she spoke to Essence magazine in 2019:

“I’m a Black woman. I come from a Black woman, who came from a Black woman, who came from a Black woman and I’m going to give birth to a Black woman.”

She also stated:

“My mother is an incredible example of how to fight through obstacles in life. I’m sure her mom taught her that and that’s how I’m going to be. We are impeccable, we’re special and the world is going to have to deal with that.”

The darker parts of Rihanna’s past, and the negativity of public perception, do not define her. Not only is Rihanna’s larger-than-life vision and story an inspiration to black and minority women, but she’s given back in ways not many may know about. 

Community Philanthropist: The Clara Lionel Foundation 

In 2012, Rihanna founded the Clara Lionel Foundation (CLF) in honor of her grandparents Clara and Lionel Braithwaite. It was initially launched to improve education, health, and emergency response programs throughout the world. It also focuses heavily on climate change and climate resilience.

Over the years, the foundation helped to increase funding for primary and secondary schools in Barbados, Rihanna’s home island. It also donated radiotherapy medical equipment for the Queen Elizabeth Hospital on the island. 

The CLF has funded grants totaling over $7 million dollars and assisted with more than 45 projects. And in January 2022, Rihanna pledged a whopping $15 million to the climate change movement. 

At the time, she stated: 

“Climate disasters, which are growing in frequency and intensity, do not impact all communities equally, with communities of color and island nations facing the brunt of climate change.”

In recognition of the singer’s efforts towards assisting vulnerable communities, Black philanthropy expert Tyeshia Wilson said: 

“Her philanthropic efforts need to be celebrated and honored on the main stage just as much as her music. She is making a significant impact in that she is changing the face and the narrative of philanthropy, especially as it relates to Black women’s philanthropy, or just Black philanthropy in general.”

Even when Rihanna’s pregnant, she doesn’t just run the town, but she’s also on the ground building it up, too. Whether it’s through her rousing performances or her dedication to helping out.

It’s why Barbados hailed her as a National Hero in November 2021.

The Best Way To Follow In Rihanna’s Footsteps 

When you look at how much Rihanna has given in philanthropy, her Super Bowl performance was simply the icing on the cake. 

We can all entertain in some way, but can we all strive to engage and uplift those around us who need it?

If you’re looking for a way to be like Rihanna, or you just want to follow in her philanthropic footsteps, consider a donation to Global Foundation For Girls. The spotlight is on all of us now, so let’s spread some light to those who need it.