I can inspire young women: Rihanna

R&B star Rihanna says she might not be given the title of a role model by people but the singer feels she can inspire young women. The 28-year-old “Work” singer received the Rock Star Award at the BET’s Black Girls Rock! ceremony in New Jersey on April 1 and used her acceptance speech to encourage her fans to love themselves, reported Female First.

“Thank you so much for celebrating us in a world that doesn’t celebrate us enough. The minute you learn to love yourself, you will not want to be anybody else.

“Role model is not the title they like to give me...but I think I can inspire a lot of young women to be themselves and that is half the battle. Hopefully one day I’ll be raising my own little black girl who rocks,” she said. Actress Tracee Ellis Ross hosted the event which will air on BET on April 5.

Founder/CEO Beverly Bond created Black Girls Rock! to highlight the achievements of black female pioneers in art, music, philanthropy and community service.