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As the Strength Of A Woman Festival returns, Mary J. Blige has launched an HBCU scholarship to assist “celebrate and advocate” for Black women.
Mary has created a scholarship project in collaboration with Pepsi aimed at “creating opportunities for connection and growth within the Atlanta community and beyond.”
According to a recent press release, the scholarship winner will be announced during Pepsi’s HBCU tour this autumn, with the pool comprising only of Black women.
The PepsiCo x Mary J. Blige Strength of a Woman Scholarship is part of a $200,000 commitment to local organizations made by the beverage giant.
“The whole mission of this festival is to celebrate and advocate for Black women,” stated Mary J. Blige in a statement. “Having Pepsi show up and show out in such a big way is overwhelming.” We are able to pay it forward in so many ways because to their support for the Strength of a Woman Festival and Summit, and being able to provide an HBCU scholarship to a worthy student is nothing short of fantastic.”
As part of the scholarship announcement, the Strength Of A Woman Festival and Summit will return during Mother’s Day weekend, with events aimed to “entertain, elevate, educate, and empower,” according to the statement.
“The Strength of a Woman Festival and Summit has proven to be a powerful platform for Pepsi and its brands to create opportunities that bring long-lasting change to amplify and elevate women,” PepsiCo Senior Vice President of Industry Relations and Multicultural Development Kent Montgomery said in a statement.
“This year, with even more events for fans to experience, we want to recognize, celebrate, and support the voices of the community, from the incredible on-stage talent, including the iconic Mary J. Blige, to the on-the-ground local restaurateurs and entrepreneurs whose vision and passion inspire others.”
Aside from the scholarship, the beverage company and Mary J have organized a day of programming to honor women who have made major contributions to culture and community, including Pepsi Dig-In, a brand platform that assists Black-owned companies in growing and becoming more prominent.
This event will include a range of Atlanta eateries, allowing participants to try their trademark meals.
