HAMPTON, Va. — On Tuesday, Mary J. Blige, in partnership with PepsiCo, presented a $60,000 scholarship to a Hampton University student.
Earlier this year, PepsiCo announced the inaugural "Pepsi x Mary J. Blige Strength of a Woman Scholarship," named after Mary J. Blige's festival and summit of the same name, as part of a shared mission to celebrate and advocate for Black women.
Hampton
Mary J. Blige, PepsiCo. create scholarship for women at Hampton University
Blige was unable to attend the event in person due to plane issues but appeared via video.
She still was able to make the point that the scholarship is about more than just money.
"It's a commitment to supporting Black women in our pursuit of higher education, arming us as pillars of our community, to break barriers, and to create opportunities," Blige said.
The winner announced was Brooklynn Miller, a sophomore, studying journalism at the Scripps Howard School of Journalism and Communications.
Miller said this scholarship is something her family has been praying for after having a rough year.
"I had a death in the family and it was just a lot to deal with, especially from my mother and just going through all of that and trying to be present at school," Miller said.
Miller said she is beyond grateful for what Blige and PesiCo are doing to support young Black women.
"I can't even fathom and I just really hope that she knows that too," Miller said. "Mary J. Blige, this is not just for me this is so many people who are struggling and so many people who really do need that help and support."
PepsiCo's Senior Vice President of Industry Relations and Multicultural Development Kent Montgomery was at the university on Tuesday to present the award.
It covers costs for half of the student's undergraduate education over a period of two years.
The scholarship is part of PepsiCo's ongoing support of Historically Black Colleges and Universities [HBCU], building on this year's HBCU tour that includes recruitment efforts and $250,000 in donations to fight campus food insecurity, and more.
