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Tag: NY Liberty

  • NY Liberty Mascot’s Iconic Mary J. Blige Tribute

    Get ready to feel happy! The New York Liberty’s beloved mascot, Ellie the Elephant, recently delivered an unforgettable halftime performance that had fans buzzing. On September 9th, during the Liberty’s game against the Washington Mystics at Barclays Center, Ellie transformed into a spitting image of R&B icon Mary J. Blige.

    Channeling the Queen of Hip-Hop Soul

    Ellie didn’t just show up; she arrived in style! Donning a flashy cheetah-print outfit and a signature blonde wig, the mascot perfectly captured the essence of the Yonkers native. The pièce de résistance? A pair of killer knee-high boots, a clear nod to Mary J. Blige’s iconic fashion sense.

    Backed by an energetic dance crew, Ellie strutted her stuff on the court, flawlessly executing the legendary ‘Mary strut’ multiple times. She grooved to a medley of Mary J. Blige’s greatest hits, including crowd-pleasers like ‘Be Happy’ and ‘Just Fine,’ bringing incredible flair and infectious energy to the performance.

    Fans React to the Legendary Performance

    The crowd’s reaction was electric, and the tribute quickly went viral on social media. Fans flooded Instagram comments, praising Ellie’s performance. “Ellie gotta be protected at all costs. This is legendary,” one user wrote, while another commented, “That HAS to be a Mary fan, they nailed it!” The resemblance was so uncanny that one fan humorously asked, “Masked Singer episode on!?… Mary, is that you?”

    While Mary J. Blige herself hasn’t publicly responded yet, it’s safe to say she’d be thrilled to see Ellie the Elephant paying such a spot-on homage. The New York Liberty organization prides itself on embodying culture and community, and Ellie the Elephant, who officially became the team’s mascot in 2021, truly represents these values. Elephants symbolize strength, wisdom, and loyalty – qualities that resonate deeply with the spirit of the Liberty team and its dedicated fans.

    What’s your favorite Mary J. Blige song? Let us know in the comments below!

  • SheDidThat. x NY Liberty Power Plays Panel Celebrates Black Women in Sports

    Renae Bluitt’s SheDidThat. initiative, dedicated to spotlighting Black women’s achievements, recently joined forces with the New York Liberty for an insightful Power Plays panel. Held at the Barclays Center on August 26, the event featured influential Black women leaders who are making significant strides in the sports world.

    Highlighting Trailblazers in Sports

    The panel brought together Shana Stephenson, Chief Brand Officer of the NY Liberty, alongside other power players like Esther Wallace (founder of Playa Society), Tamisha Guy (founder of Hue), tech innovator Atoya Burleson, and stylist Khalilah Beavers. These women shared invaluable insights during a candid conversation moderated by Bluitt, the visionary behind SheDidThat.

    Stephenson, in particular, has been instrumental in the growth of the NY Liberty and women’s basketball. Her work has not only expanded the team’s reach, including the creation of the Ellie The Elephant mascot, but also championed Black women athletes. The panel served as a platform to discuss how Black women are actively carving out their own spaces in an industry historically dominated by white men.

    Innovation and Cultural Impact

    The event also celebrated the broader cultural impact these women are having. Esther Wallace is redefining women’s sports culture with her unique designs, while Tamisha Guy’s melanin-inspired kinesio tape is revolutionizing athletic recovery. Atoya Burleson is bridging gaps in lifestyle and wellness tech, and Khalilah Beavers uses fashion as a powerful form of expression.

    Adding to the vibrant atmosphere, the Barclays Center also hosted a Caribbean Market on August 28, featuring a performance by Shenseea. The panel’s message resonated strongly, encouraging attendees to double down on their passions, strive for greatness, and move forward with unwavering resilience. It was a powerful showcase of Black excellence and entrepreneurial spirit within the sports and cultural landscape.

    What inspires you most about these women’s journeys? Share your thoughts on the impact of Black women in sports and business in the comments below!