Academy & GRAMMY-award winning singer-actress Jennifer Hudson is here to remind you how vital Black women-owned businesses are to our economy.
However, because they’re also among those that have been hit hardest by the global health crisis, Mastercard announced its ‘Strivers Initiative’ as a platform to help elevate the visibility of Black female businesses in America.
Tapping J-Hud to serve as its face, the initiative includes a grant program in partnership with Fearless Fund that supports Mastercard’s previously announced $500 million commitment to amplifying Black businesses and communities over the next 5 years.
To kickstart the campaign, the songstress teamed again with producer-performer extraordinaire Will.i.Am to give the 1967 classic Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell hit, ‘Ain’t No Mountain High Enough,’ a 2021 twist.
Hear it inside:
Speaking on the Strivers Initiative, Hudson shared her appreciation for being involved with such a forward-thinking program.
“I am fortunate to have been influenced and inspired by so many incredible Black female role models as I’ve pursued my dreams, but that’s not always the case for all Black girls and women,” Hudson stated. “Entrepreneurship has always been a part of the American Dream and the work that Mastercard is doing to elevate these visible, strong Black Women business owners and highlight the support they’re providing our communities is hugely important to me and to the impact of future generations.”
The initiative will be complemented by a multi-city educational road show to help build awareness of the state of women and minority-owned business in cities across the U.S.
For more details, click here.
Bonus: Hear Hudson’s full take on ‘Mountain’ below.