The Queen of Hip-Hop Soul Gives Back
Mary J. Blige, the newly announced Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, is partnering with Pepsi to launch a fund with $100,000 available as grants. These grants will support local organizations in Yonkers, New York, that work to elevate and educate underserved women.
“It’s so fulfilling,” Blige told CNN. “It’s everything that my movement is about. I always wanted to give back, especially to the women in Yonkers.”
This initiative is part of Blige’s “Strength of a Woman Festival and Summit,” a multi-day event filled with panels, concerts, and fellowship.
Yonkers: Blige’s Hometown and Inspiration
Yonkers, a city in New York, holds a special place in Blige’s heart. As a native of Yonkers, she hasn’t forgotten her roots. The city played a pivotal role in launching her successful career as the “queen of hip-hop soul.”
“I love it. This is my home. This is where I was born and raised and this is where I wanted it originally,” Blige said of the change in the venue.
Overcoming Adversity, Empowering Others
Blige’s early career was marked by passionate yet often sad songs that reflected her struggles with depression, substance abuse, and an abusive relationship. However, she persevered through it all, learning that her healing could help others.
“My testimony was just to help. Helping so many people,” she said. “Helping people who were saying ‘Mary, me too. Me too.’ And if you could come through, what I could come through so can you.”
A Collaboration for Empowerment
The Pepsi x Mary J. Blige Strength of a Woman Community Fund was created in partnership with United Way of Westchester and Putnam. This collaboration aims to foster community resilience and support programs focused on education, financial stability, and food security.
“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,” Blige said.
Empowering Local Organizations
The fund will distribute grants ranging from $5,000 to $20,000 to qualifying organizations in Yonkers that support programs benefiting underserved women. Applications for the fund can be submitted online by June 1, 2024, at http://www.uwwp.org/pepsi-soaw.
In addition to the fund, PepsiCo Foundation also donated $50,000 to the YWCA of White Plains & Central Westchester, United Way of Westchester, and Putnam and Westchester Community College Foundation.
A Beacon of Hope and Inspiration
Mary J. Blige’s journey from overcoming personal struggles to becoming a beacon of hope and inspiration is truly remarkable. Through this initiative, she continues to uplift and empower women, especially those in her hometown of Yonkers, where her journey began.
