Mary J. Blige launches Strength of a Woman scholarship

Mary J. Blige is highlighting the Strength of a Woman with her second annual festival and a newly launched scholarship. The star teamed up with Pepsi for the inaugural PepsiCo x Mary J. Blige Strength of a Woman Scholarship, which will be awarded to one lucky and deserving woman attending a historically Black college or university.

Pepsi is also donating money toward Mary’s choice of local organizations in Atlanta, including Silence the Shame, City of Refuge, Right Hand Foundation and Earth Girl ATL.

“Between Pepsi and [music partner] Live Nation Urban, I have some great heavy hitters that are helping me to benefit our people and all the women who are coming out; that are helping to uplift, encourage, inspire, give back and donate,” Mary says to Billboard. “And speaking of donate, I’ve partnered with Pepsi to donate $200,000 on behalf of a college scholarship as well as organizations that support and amplify women across the city. To keep doing things like this to help the community is why I’ve partnered with such heavy hitters.”

The second annual Strength of a Woman Festival and Summit is set for May 11-14 at the State Farm Arena in Atlanta. The event will feature performances from artists including Ms. Lauryn Hill and Summer Walker; The Purpose Ball honoring the LGBTQAI community; and a special celebration for the 50th year of hip-hop.

“It means so much because we held on to our voices and to our expression. And we continue to give and to inspire other generations to speak their truth through hip-hop. And that makes me feel good,” she says. “As for the show that night, you’ve just got to come and see.”