Mary J Blige at the 2011 BET Awards
The “Queen of Hip Hop-Soul” Mary J Blige will be honored this weekend during the 365BlackAwards at the start of the Essence Music Festival in New Orleans.
The awards, presented by McDonald’s, were established back in 2003 as an outreach to the African-American community.
Along with Mary J. Blige, renowned actress Ruby Dee, Civil Rights Activist and McDonald’s owner/operator Henry “Hank” Thomas, NAACP President/CEO Benjamin Jealous and Radio One founder Cathy Hughes will all be honored at the ceremony taking place July 1st.
Mary at the 2011 FiFi Awards
Mary is being recognized for her organization, the Foundation for the Advancement of Woman Now (FFAWN) and its contribution to society to help at-risk women. The foundation was created in 2001 by Mary and marketing pioneer Steve Stoute.
This year’s 365BlackAwards will be hosted by radio personality Tom Joyner and actress Angela Bassett.
Mary J. Blige is currently preparing for the release of her new album My Life Too…The Journey Continues, which is due in stores September 20th, 2011.
Photos by:Merritt & A.H Walker, WireImage
Source: AP
