Mary J. Blige is paying it forward.
The Queen of Hip-Hop Soul has partnered with Pepsi to launch the Pepsi x Mary J. Blige Strength of a Woman Community Fund. The $100,000 fund, available as grants, benefits local organizations whose mission is to amplify and educate marginalized women in Blige’s hometown, Yonkers, New York.
According to press materials, “the funds will be distributed via grants between $5,000 to $20,000 to qualifying organizations supporting programs in education, financial stability, and food security.”
Blige states, “Pepsi has been an incredible partner for the Strength of a Woman Festival and Summit since the start. Now, with their support, being able to come home to Yonkers to give back to and invest in the community I grew up in is all I’ve ever wanted. We hope to provide resources for local organizations striving to support and uplift women for even greater impact this year.”
Kent Montgomery, senior vice president of PepsiCo industry relations and multicultural development, adds: “We’re excited to deepen our partnership with Mary J. Blige by investing in the very community that has shaped her remarkable journey. The launch of the Pepsi x Mary J. Blige Strength of a Woman Fund exemplifies our shared vision with Mary to empower women, by enabling organizations to continue their valuable work.”
Blige made a surprise appearance at Westchester Community College last Thursday (April 25) to announce the fund as part of Pepsi x Strength of a Woman Community Day.
Blige will host the third annual Strength of a Woman Festival in New York City from May 10-12. The three-day affair will feature live music, comedy, women empowerment sessions, keynote speakers and much more.
On night two, Blige will headline a concert at Barclays Center, with special appearances from Jill Scott, Muni Long, 50 Cent, and more.
In other news, Mary J. Blige Blige will be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame on Oct. 19 in Cleaveland, Ohio. She will be joined by fellow 2024 inductees Dionne Warwick, Kool & The Gang, A Tribe Called Quest, Cher, and more.