Essence Festival is more than an event—it’s a powerful gathering where the African American community comes together to celebrate resilience, creativity, and excellence. Held annually in the vibrant city of New Orleans, this iconic festival has become a cornerstone of Black culture, uniting people from all walks of life to share in a weekend filled with inspiration, connection, and joy. Essence Fest 2024 continued this legacy with unmatched energy, honoring its 30-year milestone in style and I was privileged to attend.
Held 4th of July weekend every year, the festival featured a dynamic lineup of experiences. Attendees engaged in conversations spanning topics such as love and relationships, voter education, health and wellness, beauty trends, music and entertainment, HBCUs, entrepreneurship, and sustainability.
Notable appearances included Serena Williams, discussing her journey from tennis icon to beauty entrepreneur, and Ava DuVernay sharing insights into her creative process. The festival also honored the legacy of Black romance literature, celebrating authors like Beverly Jenkins, Brenda Jackson, and Donna Hill for their contributions over the past three decades.
The evening musical performances were all amazing. Headliners included Birdman, Usher and Thee Janet Jackson!
Reflecting on its 30-year history, the ESSENCE Festival has solidified its place as a cornerstone of Black culture, uniting generations in a vibrant celebration of heritage and community. It was an amazing experience and I look forward to attending the festival again.
Check out my video below where I show the hotel we stayed in and little looks at the events. (We stayed at the Hampton Inn & Suites New Orleans-Convention Center)
