Rita Marley, widow of Reggae superstar Bob Marley, is to receive the Institute of Caribbean Studies' (ICS) 2010 Marcus Garvey Lifetime Achievement Award.

The award will be presented to her at the ICS 17th Annual Caribbean American Heritage Awards Gala this evening (November 12), at the JW Marriott Hotel in downtown Washington D.C.

According to President and Founder of ICS, Dr. Claire Nelson, Rita Marley is the perfect recipient for the award this year. She told JIS news that the award recognizes persons who, unselfishly, advocate to empower and uplift people of Caribbean and African descent.

Dr. Nelson said that throughout the life of Rita Marley, her music and actions have demonstrated an unconditional will to help lift the image of Africa on the global stage, while assisting Jamaicans.

The Marcus Garvey Lifetime Award is presented annually, by the ICS, to an individual or organization that has demonstrated a commitment to the principles of human empowerment of the people of African descent. Since its inception, recipients have included Reggae superstar, Jimmy Cliff; Trinidad and Tobago's Calypso star, Slinger Francisco (The Mighty Sparrow); and Frederick "Toots" Hibberts of Toots and the Maytals fame.

Last year, the ICS conferred the Vanguard Award on world and Olympic champion sprinter, Usain Bolt.