BROADCASTS.com

b'Lifetime introduces two new original movies inspired by \\u201cThe Queen of Hip Hop Soul,\\u201d Mary J. Blige\'s biggest hits -- Mary J. Blige\\u2019s Real Love and Mary J. Blige\\u2019s Strength of a Woman. Executive produced by Mary J. Blige, both movies star Ajiona Alexus (Empire,13 Reasons Why).

Mary J. Blige\\u2019s Real Love follows 18-year-old Kendra (Alexus) as she begins at an HBCU in North Carolina. Attending on a scholarship, Kendra is focused on school while balancing work study and staying professional with Ben, her photo class partner. Despite disapproving parents, financial hardship, and even an unexpected pregnancy, Kendra and Ben fall for each other and ultimately learn the meaning of "Real Love." Even when Kendra realizes she must leave Ben behind to pursue her dreams, it\'s certain their story isn\'t over.

The story of Kendra and Ben continues in Mary J. Blige\\u2019s Strength of a Woman, jumping ahead more than 15 years. Now a successful photographer, Kendra finds herself in a failing marriage and must reckon with the decisions she made for the life she thought she wanted. When Ben unexpectedly comes back into her life, she must dig deep to find the strength to take control of her life and accept the love Ben may offer again.

In support of the content, Lifetime has partnered with Take Back the Night Foundation\\xae, an international event and non-profit organization focused on ending sexual violence and supporting survivors with their healing.

Actress, singer and influencer Ajiona Alexus was born in Tuskegee, Alabama and grew up in Birmingham. Ajiona is known for her roles as Kato on Curtis \\u201c50 Cent\\u201d Jackson\\u2019s Starz Original Series, Black Mafia Family; \\u201cYoung Cookie\\u201d on FOX\\u2019s Empire and \\u201cSheri Holland,\\u201d one of the breakout stars of the Netflix hit series, 13 Reasons Why. On the big screen, she starred in the Tyler Perry thriller Acrimony with Taraji P. Henson and Breaking In with Gabrielle Union. As a musical artist, Ajiona is signed with Atlantic Records and released her first single, \\u201cSame Mistakes,\\u201d and is currently working on her debut EP.'