Nwaka Onwusa

Vice President & Chief Curator at Rock & Roll Hall of Fame・@NwakaOnwusa

Photo Courtesy of Nwaka Onwusa

To the Queen of Hip Hop Soul, Mary J. Blige, thank you for sharing your life with the world. For me and for many Black women, your music has been a guide, teaching me–us–that it’s more than fine to be unabashedly vulnerable and unapologetically real, especially with ourselves. I remember first hearing "I'm Going Down" as a 10 year-old girl, not fully understanding what it meant to have my world turned upside down. But when I found out my little crush had a girlfriend, you encapsulated everything I was feeling! Then and now, your voice, your story, and your encouragement have gotten me and so many others through the darkest of times. In your music, I have found strength and forever affirmations. 

Thank you for trusting yourself enough to share your experiences in love, self-love, and transformation in the rawest way. You’ve taught me to know my worth in this world and to never be ashamed of who I am. For that, you will always resonate deeply. 

Thank you!

Nwaka Onwusa