Hey ladies! Though we’re busy gearing up for the ESSENCE Music Festival and the accompanying ESSENCE Empowerment Experience on July 6-8 in New Orleans, we took a little time off to catch up with our headliner, Mary J. Blige. Earlier this week, the Queen of Hip-Hop Soul announced that she will play the legendary Dr. Betty Shabazz, late wife of Malcolm X, in an upcoming TV movie called Parallel Lives. The small screen film, which begins shooting in September, will depict the relationship Shabazz and Coretta Scott King shared through the height of their husbands’ activism. Following her role in the upcoming film Rock of Ages, of which she recently said “I just didn’t want to get the part because I was Mary J. Blige. I went and did the work, I got an acting coach,” this is a great opportunity for Mary. We asked our ESSENCE Facebook friends what they thought of Mrs. Blige’s new strides and here’s what you said:
“You go Mary! I know you got this one.” Luvmonie Folife
“Go Mary, she will be great! She’s acted before and was good, do your thang Mary!” – Rosetta Headwig
“Mary inspires me. A real woman in spite of what life and relationships have put her through. Keep her in your prayers as she represents.” – Laura Jurineack
“Mary J. Blige, she can do anything she puts her mind to. Even if it seems hard she can rock it and rock it well! Can’t wait! – Erica Hall
“Give her a chance, I believe she will be great!” -Talicia Watkins
Don’t miss Mary J. Blige at the ESSENCE Music Festival on July 6-8 in New Orleans and get your tickets here!
