May 9, 2008 3:50 pm US/Eastern
Soul Star Mary J. Blige Starts Women's Foundation
New York (CBS) ―
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The queen of hip-hop soul is establishing a foundation to help women develop careers and gain self-confidence.
Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images
She's earned Grammy Awards and gold records. Now Yonkers native Mary J. Blige is giving back to her fans, CBS station WCBS-TV in New York reports.
Her help comes in the form of scholarships, career advice and moral support.
It was a rowdy welcome for hip hop royalty as Blige returned to Roosevelt High School in Yonkers on Friday. The megastar came to announce the creation of the "Foundation For The Advancement Of Women Now" -- nicknamed "FFAWN."
"It's about women that desire to give themselves a second chance," Blige said. "They have not given up. They don't want to die. Mentally, spiritually, physically, they want to live."
Blige said the foundation will focus on career development and boosting young women's self-esteem.
Blige admits she struggles with her own esteem issues, despite selling 40 million records and winning eight Grammys so far in her career.
"I'm not saying don't be afraid, but know that we're all a little afraid but you're not by yourself, so push thru the fear," Blige said.
Blige dropped out of Roosevelt High School 20 years ago, and her well-publicized personal struggles certainly give her credibility with these young people.
Yarelis Borrero says young people admire Blige for conquering substance abuse and depression, and for her hard-fought rise from the streets of Yonkers.
"She knows more about how it was before and she can give us good advice for our careers in the future," Borrero said.
Blige says it's a great opportunity to be a role model for young women and she's going to make the most of it.
The foundation will partner with a Jewish community center in Yonkers, where a new facility will be named the "Mary J. Blige Center."
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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