Pepsi
Pepsi Dig In, the brand’s platform designed to drive access, business growth, and awareness to Black-owned restaurants, returns with Pepsi Dig In Day on August 19.
The annual calling to encourage diners across the country to visit Black-owned restaurants is timed to National Black Business Month and is expanding its efforts to amplify and support Black-owned restaurants.
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New York, NY – August 9, 2023: The Pepsi Dig In Dinner, featuring Chefs Nicole and Mike Nicholas of Aunts et Uncles, Ricky Moore of Saltbox, Daryl Shular of FARMED Kitchen & Bar, and Maya-Camille Broussard of Justice of the Pies at Platform by JBF on the West Side.
© Clay Williams / http://claywilliamsphoto.com
Across the country events will take place that include a block party in Washington, D.C. highlighting local Black businesses, curated dinner events featuring chefs and restaurateurs in partnership with the James Beard Foundation, and Pepsi Dig In covering $100,000 in free meals for consumers when they visit select restaurants across the country.
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New York, NY – August 9, 2023: The Pepsi Dig In Dinner, featuring Chefs Nicole and Mike Nicholas of Aunts et Uncles, Ricky Moore of Saltbox, Daryl Shular of FARMED Kitchen & Bar, and Maya-Camille Broussard of Justice of the Pies at Platform by JBF on the West Side.
© Clay Williams / http://claywilliamsphoto.com
On August 9, invited guests gathered in New York City to honor the occasion with an intimate affair at Market 57’s Platform by JBF. Showcased restaurants at the splendid soiree included Aunts et Uncles, Nicole & Mike Nicholas (Brooklyn, NY); Saltbox, Chef Ricky Moore (Durham, NC), FARMED Kitchen & Bar, Chef Daryl Shular (Tucker, GA), and Justice of the Pies, Chef Maya-Camille (Chicago, IL).
![](https://theknockturnal.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/MG_2311.jpg)
New York, NY – August 9, 2023: The Pepsi Dig In Dinner, featuring Chefs Nicole and Mike Nicholas of Aunts et Uncles, Ricky Moore of Saltbox, Daryl Shular of FARMED Kitchen & Bar, and Maya-Camille Broussard of Justice of the Pies at Platform by JBF on the West Side.
© Clay Williams / http://claywilliamsphoto.com
“It was during the pandemic and Pepsi came through with this incubator. And it did wonders for our business during that period of time transitioning from everyone being on lockdown to the world coming back to life,” Chef Shular explained on how he became part of the program. “They’ve always came and supported the restaurant. Pepsi has done a great job in supporting not only my business, but all Black businesses.”
The culinary magic of this evening is also being shared in a sparkling way. In partnership with the James Beard Foundation at the PLATFORM by JBF, throughout the month, there is a variety of cuisines and innovative dishes from Black chefs and restaurateurs from coast to coast, with curated dinner events, cooking demonstrations and more.
In addition, Pepsi Dig In is once again encouraging foodies to show the love on social media by posting a photo of their meal from a Black-owned restaurant and tagging the eatery and Pepsi Dig In for the chance to win $5,000 to dine at their favorite Black-owned restaurants as well as unlock a $5,000 donation to the restaurant.
“Our goal for Pepsi Dig In has always been to celebrate and generate awareness for Black-owned restaurants, not just on Pepsi Dig In Day, but all year long,” says Scott Finlow, Chief Marketing Officer of PepsiCo Global Foodservice. “This year, we’re turning up the flavor and excitement with the support of renowned partners like the James Beard Foundation and events like our Washington D.C. block party where people can indulge in delicious food, cheer on talented chefs, and soak up the vibrant culture that accompanies every dish.”This year, Pepsi Dig In is giving food lovers a chance to discover every bite is Better With Pepsi and explore more ways to get involved and dine at Black-owned restaurants across the country, including:
- Offering complimentary signature dishes at 25 restaurants (while supplies last) in major cities nationally. Pepsi Dig In is covering $100,000 in free food to encourage diners to discover Black-owned restaurants and explore their diverse offerings in cities including Los Angeles, Nashville, Chicago, Houston, Philadelphia and more. Fans can visit EatOkra – the largest database of Black-owned restaurants – to find participating locations and other establishments in their area. In addition, foodies can check out Black and Mobile to order delivery from Black-owned restaurants in their local neighborhood.
- Hosting a Pepsi Dig In Day Block Party on August 19 in Washington D.C., already a city that boasts one of the largest concentrations of Black-owned businesses in the U.S., Pepsi Dig In is bringing its festivities to Anacostia – one of the country’s historic African American neighborhoods. The block party at Sandlot Anacostia will host performances by GRAMMY Award nominated artist Pusha T, Alex Vaughn, Black Alley, DJ Five9 and DJ Money to bring locals together, create connections, and foster a sense of community while spotlighting Black restaurateurs and small Black-owned businesses. Featured local restaurants include Roaming Rooster, Jerk at Nite, Money Muscle BBQ and more.
- Giving fans the chance to win $5,000 when they post their meal on Instagram or Twitter and tag their favorite local Black-owned eatery and @PepsiDigIn with #DigInShowLove #Sweepstakes from August 1 to August 31. See Official Rules for details and restrictions.*
For further information on Pepsi Dig In, fans can visit PepsiDigIn.com and follow @PepsiDigIn on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter for the latest updates.
Photos Courtesy Pepsi/Clay Williams
On The Scene: Mary J. Blige Brings Strength Of A Woman Festival To Atlanta
![Strength Of A Woman Festival & Summit Day 2 State Farm Arena Concert](https://theknockturnal.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/1240549430-1170x784.jpg)
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - MAY 07: Method Man and Mary J. Blige perform onstage during the Strength Of A Woman Festival & Summit State Farm Arena Concert at State Farm Arena on May 07, 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Derek White/Getty Images for Strength Of A Woman Festival & Summit)
![Strength Of A Woman Festival & Summit – Day 3 – Gospel Brunch](https://theknockturnal.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/1396179668-1170x756.jpg)
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - MAY 08: Singer Le'Andria Johnson performs onstage during the Strength Of A Woman Festival & Summit Gospel Brunch at City Winery Ponce City Market on May 08, 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for Strength Of A Woman Festival & Summit)
![Strength Of A Woman Festival & Summit – Day 3 – Gospel Brunch](https://theknockturnal.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/1396178978-1170x802.jpg)
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - MAY 08: Kierra Sheard performs onstage during the Strength Of A Woman Festival & Summit Gospel Brunch at City Winery Ponce City Market on May 08, 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for Strength Of A Woman Festival & Summit)
![Strength Of A Woman Festival & Summit – Day 3 – Gospel Brunch](https://theknockturnal.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/1396178278-1170x780.jpg)
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - MAY 08: Kierra Sheard, Mary J. Blige, and Le'Andria Johnson attend Strength Of A Woman Festival & Summit Gospel Brunch at City Winery Ponce City Market on May 08, 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for Strength Of A Woman Festival & Summit)
![Strength Of A Woman Festival & Summit – Day 1 – Comedy Night](https://theknockturnal.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/1396142586-1170x778.jpg)
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - MAY 06: Ms. Pat, Erica Duchess, Wanda, and Just Nesh attends Strength of a Woman's Comedy Night in Partnership with Mary J. Blige, Pepsi, and Live Nation Urban at Buckhead Theater on May 6, 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Derek White/Getty Images for Strength Of A Woman Festival & Summit)
![Strength Of A Woman Festival & Summit – Day 1 – Comedy Night](https://theknockturnal.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/1396142578-1170x780.jpg)
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - MAY 06: Wanda attends Strength of a Woman's Comedy Night in Partnership with Mary J. Blige, Pepsi, and Live Nation Urban at Buckhead Theater on May 6, 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Derek White/Getty Images for Strength Of A Woman Festival & Summit)
![Strength Of A Woman Festival & Summit – Day 1 – Comedy Night](https://theknockturnal.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/1396142434-1170x780.jpg)
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - MAY 06: Erica Duchess attends Strength of a Woman's Comedy Night in Partnership with Mary J. Blige, Pepsi, and Live Nation Urban at Buckhead Theater on May 6, 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Derek White/Getty Images for Strength Of A Woman Festival & Summit)
![Strength Of A Woman Festival & Summit – Day 1 – Gen Z Concert](https://theknockturnal.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/1395953807-1170x780.jpg)
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - MAY 06: Recording artist Kiana Lede performs onstage during night 1 of the Strength of A Woman Festival & Summit Gen Z concert at the Tabernacle on May 06, 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for Strength Of A Woman Festival & Summit)
![Strength Of A Woman Festival & Summit – Day 1 – Gen Z Concert](https://theknockturnal.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/1395953691-1170x895.jpg)
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - MAY 06: Rapper Omeretta the Great performs onstage during night 1 of the Strength of A Woman Festival & Summit Gen Z concert at the Tabernacle on May 06, 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for Strength Of A Woman Festival & Summit)
![Strength Of A Woman Festival & Summit – Day 1 – Gen Z Concert](https://theknockturnal.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/1395953658-1170x780.jpg)
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - MAY 06: Recording artist Inayah performs onstage during night 1 of the Strength of A Woman Festival & Summit Gen Z concert at the Tabernacle on May 06, 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for Strength Of A Woman Festival & Summit)
![Strength Of A Woman Festival & Summit – Day 1 – Gen Z Concert](https://theknockturnal.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/1395953625-1170x848.jpg)
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - MAY 06: Recording artist MK XYZ performs onstage during night 1 of the Strength of A Woman Festival & Summit Gen Z concert at the Tabernacle on May 06, 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for Strength Of A Woman Festival & Summit)
![Strength Of A Woman Festival & Summit – Day 1 – Gen Z Concert](https://theknockturnal.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/1395946940-1170x780.jpg)
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - MAY 06: Recording artist Kiana Lede performs onstage during night one of the Strength of A Woman Festival & Summit Gen Z concert at the Tabernacle on May 06, 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for Strength Of A Woman Festival & Summit)
![Strength Of A Woman Festival & Summit – Day 1 – Gen Z Concert](https://theknockturnal.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/1395946752-1170x729.jpg)
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - MAY 06: Rapper Omeretta the Great performs onstage during night one of the Strength of A Woman Festival & Summit Gen Z concert at the Tabernacle on May 06, 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for Strength Of A Woman Festival & Summit)
![Strength Of A Woman Festival & Summit – Day 1 – Gen Z Concert](https://theknockturnal.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/1395945889-1170x721.jpg)
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - MAY 06: Rapper Rubi Rose performs onstage during night one of the Strength of A Woman Festival & Summit Gen Z concert at the Tabernacle on May 06, 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for Strength Of A Woman Festival & Summit)
![Strength Of A Woman Festival & Summit – Day 1 – Gen Z Concert](https://theknockturnal.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/1395945719-1170x811.jpg)
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - MAY 06: Vali and Azad Right of Emotional Oranges perform onstage during night one of the Strength of A Woman Festival & Summit Gen Z concert at the Tabernacle on May 06, 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for Strength Of A Woman Festival & Summit)
![Strength Of A Woman Festival & Summit – Day 1 – Gen Z Concert](https://theknockturnal.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/1395945711-1170x871.jpg)
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - MAY 06: Singer Vali of Emotional Oranges performs onstage during night one of the Strength of A Woman Festival & Summit Gen Z concert at the Tabernacle on May 06, 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for Strength Of A Woman Festival & Summit)
![Strength Of A Woman Festival & Summit – Day 1 – Gen Z Concert](https://theknockturnal.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/1395945567-1170x741.jpg)
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - MAY 06: Singer Sevyn Streeter performs onstage during night one of the Strength of A Woman Festival & Summit Gen Z concert at the Tabernacle on May 06, 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for Strength Of A Woman Festival & Summit)
![Strength Of A Woman Festival & Summit – Day 1 – Comedy Night](https://theknockturnal.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/1395905697-1170x780.jpg)
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - MAY 06: Mary J. Blige speaks on stage during the Strength Of A Woman Festival & Summit – Day 1 – Comedy Night, at Buckhead Theatre on May 06, 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Derek White/Getty Images for Strength Of A Woman Festival & Summit)
![Strength Of A Woman Festival & Summit Day 2 Strength Of A Woman Summit](https://theknockturnal.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/1240551080-1170x780.jpg)
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - MAY 07: (L-R) Carla Hall, Rasheeda Frost, Pinky Cole and Tye Young speak at the Strength Of A Woman Festival & Summit on May 07, 2022 at The Gathering Spot in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for for Strength Of A Woman Festival & Summit)
![Strength Of A Woman Festival & Summit Day 2 Strength Of A Woman Summit](https://theknockturnal.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/1240551070-1170x780.jpg)
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - MAY 07: Guests attend the Strength Of A Woman Festival & Summit on May 07, 2022 at The Gathering Spot in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for for Strength Of A Woman Festival & Summit)
![Strength Of A Woman Festival & Summit Day 2 Strength Of A Woman Summit](https://theknockturnal.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/1240550963-1170x780.jpg)
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - MAY 07: Signage on display the Strength Of A Woman Festival & Summit on May 07, 2022 at The Gathering Spot in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for for Strength Of A Woman Festival & Summit)
![Strength Of A Woman Festival & Summit Day 2 Strength Of A Woman Summit](https://theknockturnal.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/1240550863-1170x780.jpg)
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - MAY 07: General atmosphere at the Strength Of A Woman Festival & Summit on May 07, 2022 at The Gathering Spot in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for for Strength Of A Woman Festival & Summit)
![Strength Of A Woman Festival & Summit Day 2 Strength Of A Woman Summit](https://theknockturnal.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/1240550696-1170x798.jpg)
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - MAY 07: (L-R) Tasha Smith, Tamron Hall, Mary J. Blige, Angie Martinez, and Supacent attend the Strength Of A Woman Festival & Summit on May 07, 2022 at The Gathering Spot in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for for Strength Of A Woman Festival & Summit)
![Strength Of A Woman Festival & Summit Day 2 Strength Of A Woman Summit](https://theknockturnal.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/1240550420-1170x779.jpg)
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - MAY 07:NFT on display at the Strength Of A Woman Festival & Summit on May 07, 2022 at The Gathering Spot in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Marcus Ingram/Getty Images for Strength Of A Woman Festival & Summit)
![Strength Of A Woman Festival & Summit Day 2 Strength Of A Woman Summit](https://theknockturnal.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/1240550169-1170x780.jpg)
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - MAY 07: Kandi Burruss attends the Strength Of A Woman Festival & Summit on May 07, 2022 at The Gathering Spot in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for for Strength Of A Woman Festival & Summit)
![Strength Of A Woman Festival & Summit Day 2 Strength Of A Woman Summit](https://theknockturnal.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/1240550145-1170x779.jpg)
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - MAY 07: Supacent and Angie Maritnez attend the Strength Of A Woman Festival & Summit on May 07, 2022 at The Gathering Spot in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Marcus Ingram/Getty Images for Strength Of A Woman Festival & Summit)
![Strength Of A Woman Festival & Summit Day 2 State Farm Arena Concert](https://theknockturnal.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/1240550032-1170x760.jpg)
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - MAY 07: Mary J. Blige performs onstage during the Strength Of A Woman Festival & Summit State Farm Arena Concert at State Farm Arena on May 07, 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Derek White/Getty Images for Strength Of A Woman Festival & Summit)
![Strength Of A Woman Festival & Summit Day 2 State Farm Arena Concert](https://theknockturnal.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/1240550018-1170x782.jpg)
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - MAY 07: Summer Walker performs onstage during the Strength Of A Woman Festival & Summit State Farm Arena Concert at State Farm Arena on May 07, 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Derek White/Getty Images for Strength Of A Woman Festival & Summit)
![Strength Of A Woman Festival & Summit Day 2 State Farm Arena Concert](https://theknockturnal.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/1240549936-1170x801.jpg)
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - MAY 07: Mary J. Blige and Jermaine Dupri perform onstage during the Strength Of A Woman Festival & Summit State Farm Arena Concert at State Farm Arena on May 07, 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for Strength Of A Woman Festival & Summit)
![Strength Of A Woman Festival & Summit Day 2 State Farm Arena Concert](https://theknockturnal.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/1240549933-1170x767.jpg)
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - MAY 07: JT of City Girls performs onstage during the Strength Of A Woman Festival & Summit State Farm Arena Concert at State Farm Arena on May 07, 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Derek White/Getty Images for Strength Of A Woman Festival & Summit)
![Strength Of A Woman Festival & Summit Day 2 State Farm Arena Concert](https://theknockturnal.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/1240549899-1170x796.jpg)
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - MAY 07: Usher and Mary J. Blige perform during the Strength Of A Woman Festival & Summit State Farm Arena Concert at State Farm Arena on May 07, 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for Strength Of A Woman Festival & Summit)
![Strength Of A Woman Festival & Summit Day 2 State Farm Arena Concert](https://theknockturnal.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/1240549762-1170x787.jpg)
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - MAY 07: Ella Mai performs onstage during the Strength Of A Woman Festival & Summit State Farm Arena Concert at State Farm Arena on May 07, 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for Strength Of A Woman Festival & Summit)
![Strength Of A Woman Festival & Summit Day 2 State Farm Arena Concert](https://theknockturnal.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/1240549717-1170x779.jpg)
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - MAY 07: JT of City Girls performs onstage during the Strength Of A Woman Festival & Summit State Farm Arena Concert at State Farm Arena on May 07, 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Derek White/Getty Images for Strength Of A Woman Festival & Summit)
![Strength Of A Woman Festival & Summit Day 2 State Farm Arena Concert](https://theknockturnal.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/1240549698-1170x748.jpg)
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - MAY 07: Queen Naija performs onstage during the Strength Of A Woman Festival & Summit State Farm Arena Concert at State Farm Arena on May 07, 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Derek White/Getty Images for Strength Of A Woman Festival & Summit)
![Strength Of A Woman Festival & Summit Day 2 State Farm Arena Concert](https://theknockturnal.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/1240549652-1170x758.jpg)
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - MAY 07: (L-R) Kandi Burress, Tamika Scott, Tameka "Tiny" Harris and LaTocha Scott of Xscape perform during the Strength Of A Woman Festival & Summit State Farm Arena Concert at State Farm Arena on May 07, 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Derek White/Getty Images for Strength Of A Woman Festival & Summit)
![Strength Of A Woman Festival & Summit Day 2 State Farm Arena Concert](https://theknockturnal.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/1240549594-1170x779.jpg)
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - MAY 07: Chaka Khan performs during the Strength Of A Woman Festival & Summit State Farm Arena Concert at State Farm Arena on May 07, 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Derek White/Getty Images for Strength Of A Woman Festival & Summit)
![Strength Of A Woman Festival & Summit Day 2 State Farm Arena Concert](https://theknockturnal.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/1240549578-1170x799.jpg)
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - MAY 07: Yung Miami of City Girls performs onstage during the Strength Of A Woman Festival & Summit State Farm Arena Concert at State Farm Arena on May 07, 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Derek White/Getty Images for Strength Of A Woman Festival & Summit)
![Strength Of A Woman Festival & Summit Day 2 State Farm Arena Concert](https://theknockturnal.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/1240549480-1170x780.jpg)
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - MAY 07: Baby Tate performs during the Strength Of A Woman Festival & Summit State Farm Arena Concert at State Farm Arena on May 07, 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for Strength Of A Woman Festival & Summit)
![Strength Of A Woman Festival & Summit Day 2 State Farm Arena Concert](https://theknockturnal.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/1240549219-1170x780.jpg)
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - MAY 07: Kelly Rowland, Kandi Burress and Tasha Smith attend the Strength Of A Woman Festival & Summit State Farm Arena Concert at State Farm Arena on May 07, 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for Strength Of A Woman Festival & Summit)
![Strength Of A Woman Festival & Summit Day 2 State Farm Arena Concert](https://theknockturnal.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/1240549199-1170x812.jpg)
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - MAY 07: Mary J. Blige and Method Man performs onstage during the Strength Of A Woman Festival & Summit State Farm Arena Concert at State Farm Arena on May 07, 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Derek White/Getty Images for Strength Of A Woman Festival & Summit)
This past weekend, Mary J Blige, with the help of Live Nation Urban and Pepsi, kicked off her inaugural Strength of a Woman Festival and Summit in Atlanta.
The 3-day fest was jam-packed with a comedy show, 2 concerts with an all-women lineup, and a Mother’s Day Gospel Brunch.
The Friday night comedy show included comedians Ms. Pat, Erica Duchess, and Taneshia “Just Nesh” Rice. Following the comedy show was a concert at The Tabernacle in Downtown Atlanta with performances by Kiana Ledè, Emotional Oranges, Rubi Rose, Sevyn Streeter, Inayah, MK XYZ and Omerettá the Great. It was the ideal ladies night.
Pink and purple seemed to be the official colors of the weekend, as the fluorescent colors lit up every room we walked in. There were interactive Strength of a Woman photobooths on display all around the venue for fans to enjoy, along with refreshments courtesy of Pepsi and Strength of a Woman merch booths scattered around. And, of course, a hot wing booth selling some of the best assorted chicken wings we’ve ever ate because when in Rome, right?
Fans watched on as their favorite artists put on a hell of a show. ATL natives and rappers Rubi Rose and Omerettá commanded the stage while performing their most popular songs. Rubi even added a twerk competition mid song as she rapped the sexy yet playful lyrics to her single “Hit Yo Dance” featuring Yella Beezy and NLE Choppa.
The energy of the night became calmer once the R&B songstresses took the stage. Sevyn Streeter recently finished her intimate 5-city tour promoting her latest project Drunken Wordz, Sober Thoughtz but she made sure to bring some of that tour energy to the stage and performed songs like “Taboo”, “Before I Do” and “Nasty Girl”.
Kiana Lede closed out the night and did not disappoint. The singer-songwriter floated around the stage in a sultry, black skirt and bra set while serenading the audience as she sung her songs “Chocolate” and “Attention” from her debut album KIKI.
The festivities picked back up on Saturday with the Strength of a Woman Summit hosted by actress Taraji P. Henson. Guests enjoyed educational workshops and panels geared toward cultivating a community to empower and uplift women.
Trailblazing black women in various industries ranging from music and entertainment to hair care and culinary arts shared their individual stories about overcoming adversities, love, friendship and success. Mary J. Blige, Angie Martinez, Supa Cent, Tasha K. Smith, LaLa Anthony, Coco Jones, Naturi Naughton, Kandi Burruss and more were able to speak about their experiences with attendees.
Black-owned food trucks, a Strength of a Woman curated NFT gallery and music led by DJ Traci Steele are just a few of the fun things provided for everyone to enjoy and the entire experience was live-streamed globally on Amazon’s Twitch.
Carrying on into the night, a sold-out concert at State Farm Arena headlined by Mary J Blige was nothing short of magical. R&B group Xscape, Chaka Khan, City Girls, Yung Baby Tate and Queen Naija performed and kept the crowd hype but it was the grand finale that truly brought the night together.
Mary J Blige made the stage her own in an orange and magenta jumpsuit, along with her signature blond tresses and knee-high boots. The R&B legend gave the audience a lengthy but well deserved 2-hour set running through her extensive list of hits. “My Life,” “Real Love” and “Mary Jane (All Night Long)” are among the many songs that she performed.
She even brought longtime friend, and co-star on STARZ Power Book II, Method Man along to perform their 1995 hit “All I Need” while fans and special guests like LaLa Anthony, Kelly Rowland and Missy Elliot sang along. But the surprises didn’t stop there.
As the concert began to wind down, Usher, Summer Walker and Ella Mai joined Mary on stage to perform a few of their songs for the crowd. It was a perfect finale and an even more perfect night as Mary reminded us why she has and will always be the Queen of Hip-Hop Soul.
Exclusive: Pi’erre Bourne Partners With Pepsi On Inaugural Pepsi Music Lab Launch
Today award-winning producer, acclaimed engineer, and burgeoning artist Pi’erre Bourne joins us to discuss his involvement with Pepsi Music Lab‘s Inaugural launch.
Pepsi, the NFL, and Roc Nation announced The Weeknd, one of today’s most compelling and significant artists of a generation, will perform during the Pepsi Super Bowl LV Halftime Show on CBS at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa Bay, Fla. on Sunday, Feb. 7, 2021.