Lower than every week forward of Mary J. Blige’s second annual Energy of a Girl Competition and Summit, the Queen of Hip-Hop Soul broadcasts the institution of the PepsiCo x Mary J. Blige Energy of a Girl Scholarship. It is going to be awarded to 1 Black feminine pupil aspiring to or at present enrolled at a Traditionally Black Faculties and Universities (HBCU).
“The entire mission of this pageant is to have fun and advocate for Black girls,” says Blige. “So to have Pepsi, present up and present out in the best way they do is overwhelming. With their assist for the Energy of a Girl Competition and Summit, we’re capable of pay it ahead in so many impactful methods and to have the ability to grant an HBCU scholarship for a deserving pupil is nothing in need of unbelievable.”
PepsiCo pledged $200,000 partially in the direction of the scholarship and native organizations similar to Silence the Disgrace, Metropolis of Refuge, Proper Hand Basis, and Earth Lady ATL, demonstrating assist and elevation of ladies in want within the Atlanta, Georgia, space and past.
The recipient of the PepsiCo x Mary J. Blige Energy of a Girl Scholarship shall be introduced throughout PepsiCo’s HBCU tour, dubbed the Traditionally Higher Tour, this fall.
PepsiCo’s dedication to the development of Black girls doesn’t finish there. Throughout Blige’s Energy of a Girl Competition and Summit, the corporate will co-present with Blige a large unfold of alternatives to assist the financial development in Atlanta.
The weekend-long actions embrace Pepsi Dig In, a cuisine-centric occasion that shall be occurring throughout the summit (extra on that later). It’ll permit summit attendees to pattern signature dishes from Ms. Icey’s Kitchen, Gocha’s Breakfast Bar, Twisted Soul Cookhouse & Pours, and Native Inexperienced Atlanta, all of that are native eating places run by Black girls.
Impressed by the aspirational need of Blige’s pageant, PepsiCo, together with its Stacy’s Rise Undertaking and Doritos SOLID BLACK initiative, will host a dinner to create entry for native entrepreneurs and Black changemakers to attach and have fun the affect of their corporations and efforts inside the neighborhood.
PepsiCo’s Senior Vice President of Trade Relations and Multicultural Growth Kent Montgomery, acknowledged, “The Energy of a Girl Competition and Summit has confirmed to be a robust platform for Pepsi and its manufacturers to create alternatives that deliver long-lasting change to amplify and elevate girls. This 12 months, with much more occasions for followers to expertise, we wish to acknowledge, have fun, and assist the voices of the neighborhood, from the unbelievable on-stage expertise, together with the enduring Mary J. Blige, to the on-the-ground native restaurateurs and entrepreneurs whose imaginative and prescient and fervour encourage others.”
Famous earlier, Blige returns to Atlanta for 12 months two of her Energy of a Girl Competition and Summit, established final 12 months as a three-day occasion in partnership with Pepsi and Reside Nation City.
This 12 months, the Mom’s Day weekend celebration has been expanded right into a four-day occasion, starting Could 11 with Robert Glasper at Metropolis Vineyard Atlanta and concluding Could 14 with a comedy present, a function ball, and a gospel brunch.
On the State Farm Enviornment, extra performances happen between these dates, together with Could 12. Blige will headline evening two, performing all b-sides from her iconic catalog. Moreover, she is going to salute the Fiftieth-anniversary salute to hip-hop with units from Busta Rhymes, Methodology Man, Jadakiss, Jeezy, and DJ Drama & Mates, in addition to particular friends Jodeci.
On Could 13, an empowering summit, which is free for these registered, shall be held at AmericasMart. Hosted by actress Marsai Martin, the day-long affair consists of panel discussions, fireplace chats, and keynote audio system, starting from Ciara, Angela Yee, Iyanla Vanzant, and former mayor of Atlanta, Keisha Lance Bottoms, amongst many others.
Later that night, followers shall be handled to music by Ms. Lauryn Hill, the highest performer. Extra performers embrace Fortunate Daye, Muni Lengthy, Coco Jones, and particular visitor Summer season Walker.
“[I’m] simply inviting a few of the new artists which might be making an affect within the R&B world and hip-hop,” Blige advised Rated R&B of the Energy of a Girl Competition and Summit.
“And simply bringing the leisure that folks wish to see and listen to and having panels and robust girls discussions and the entire thing that we did [last year] however simply to a different stage with different artists that we love and respect and that folks love and respect.”
Get extra ticket data at soawfestival.com.
