Mary J. Blige attends the 4th annual Black Girls Rock! Awards at the New York Times Center on October 17, 2009 in New York City.
The event, founded by hip-hop deejay Beverly Bond, salutes those who are proud to be positive role models for at-risk girls of color. Girls in the mentorship program take classes in mixing and scratching at New York City's Scratch DJ Academy and earn a certificate upon completion.
Janelle Monáe, Mary J. Blige, Salt-N-Pepa's Spinderella and Anthony Hamilton were among this year's honorees.
Picture copyright: Janet Mayer / PR Photos