
R&B soulful songstress Mary J. Blige joins the ranks of other celebs, like Fantasia Barrino, who recently earned her GED.
The 39-year-old recently announced on 'Good Morning America' that she will be heading off to Howard University and plans to get her bachelor's in 2014.
Blige, who dropped out of school in the 11th grade, has had her fair share of drama, from being molested as a child to battling drugs and being physically abused by a former lover. All of these situations derailed any plans for furthering her education.
The nine-time Grammy Award winner has refused to let life's knocks lay her out flat, though, and has continued to be an inspiration to listeners. Her latest CD, 'Stronger With Each Tear,' is undoubtedly a testament to her survival instinct.
Blige has not released any information on what her area of concentration will be at Howard, but rest assured, when the diva puts her mind to something, she follows through all the way.
The successful songstress plans to launch her fragrance, My Life, later this month and an eyewear line, Melodies, in the fall.
Congratulations, Mary, you've definitely proven that getting book smart is always a priority.


Comments: (48)
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By: lola on 7/06/2010 2:17PM
I think it's great that Mary is attending Howard University. I am 46yrs old and just earned my community college AA Degree and will be continuing in the fall to a University. A missed education will always haunt you regardless of you economical or social status. For the past 25yrs I have worked for a very large organization I've held several positions with great pay and benefits, even so, I have this relentless desire for higher education and will not stop until I reach my goal.
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By: Sharirenee on 7/10/2010 4:55PM
God Bless you Lola. We have something in common. I just earned a BS in Human Services after being a HS drop out.I like you have been on my job a long time and earn a good living. you are absolutely right that it's not enough. Not to sound like a hater; but while it is great Mary is going back to school. Howard University obviously bent some rules for her: you can't just get into an Ivy league University like that. I don't think that part is fair especially if she is trying to represent for others.
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By: ADMR on 7/06/2010 5:51PM
This Shows That Mary Realizes The Value & Importance Of Education.
I am GLAD that She Will Be Embarking On this Journey Although She Has Had a SUCCESSFUL Career In the Entertainment Industry.
I Wish Her Only The BEST - Very IMPRESSED!
Sincerely.....LADY A....MS ED - Wink!
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By: ikem on 7/06/2010 8:11PM
Mary, that's a bold and courageous move. Your academic pursuit will surely inspire others. Congratulation.
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By: Fashionedbygod33 on 7/06/2010 8:16PM
I take my hat off to you Mary. I am so proud. Congratulations for getting your GED and now pursuing your bachelor's.
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By: Deut818 on 7/06/2010 9:44PM
WOW..after all this time? Who KNEW?
I guess "never" is never to late ..
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By: charles on 7/07/2010 5:40PM
LoL I knew it yet on most every issue her opinion was sought after as if she had a PHD. she sounded just like her level of education dictated DUMB . all the money she made and only now she found the time to get "educated" better late than never.
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By: Deut818 on 7/07/2010 6:50PM
@Charles.. don't be a smart you know what..
..irrespective to Mary-J not having a high school diploma or GED .. nor does CHER- another a high school drop-out.. both are worth hundreths of thousands to millions.. due to their TALENT..
..what till matters is Mary-J is PAID and have EARNED several GRAMMYS due to HER GOD given TALENT.. A talent NO ONE can take from her.
..how much are you worth based upon your education? school diploma? GED, college Grad?Huh? ..are you worth hundreths of thousands to millions? Huh?
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By: Jackie on 7/06/2010 10:37PM
Congratulation to Mary!!! I think her decision to seek knowledge is great! She's a role model and many will look up to her and follow in her foot steps. But the reality is one can not enter a 4year college on a GED alone. GED with college credits to follow is the reality. SO please do not think that her celebrity and money and the fact the Howard will gaining exposure if she attends is the reasons she got accepted. Hoepfully she's able to maintain and perform at a University academic wise. Her mind is in the right direction but I think that Howard is only looking out for their interest and not educating her on the plight before her!!!
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By: charles on 7/07/2010 6:12PM
Amazing how many people did not pick up on this. getting in is easy just pay the tuition but to comprehend what the proffessor is talking about is another thing altogether. after the war I entered a community college and overwhelmed by the extended vocabulary . I was blessed to have parents who had taught me how to study.
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