NEW ORLEANS — The 2024 ESSENCE Festival of Culture™ presented by Coca-Cola® was a spectacular event, drawing about 500,000 attendees to celebrate its 30th anniversary. The festival and New Orleans share a deep bond, with Caroline Wanga, President and CEO of Essence Ventures, affirming, “We ain’t breaking up,” during the press conference and welcome event. Mayor LaToya Cantrell also highlighted the festival’s significance, noting its $300 million economic impact on the city and the strong partnership between ESSENCE and New Orleans.
The ESSENCE Festival of Culture™ began in 1994 as a one-time event to celebrate the 25th anniversary of ESSENCE magazine. It was so well-received that it became an annual tradition. Held over the Fourth of July weekend, the festival showcases and celebrates African American culture with star-studded music performances, inspirational speakers, and notable figures.
ESSENCE Fest welcomed headliners Birdman And Friends Presents 30th Anniversary of Cash Money Millionaires – reuniting the Hot Boyz on stage in their hometown, after nearly two decades, including Birdman, Lil Wayne, Juvenile, B.G., and Mannie Fresh. The concert included additional musical performances from artists that have partnered with Cash Money over the three decades – Scarface, Bun B, and 2 Chainz.
The Global Black Economic Forum HQ® made a powerful return at this year’s festival, serving as the ultimate hub for innovation and meaningful discussions. Key topics included the future of work, wealth, health, and democracy, featuring insightful conversations with leaders like civil rights activist Reverend Al Sharpton and Congresswoman Maxine Waters.
One of the greatest athletes of all time, an entrepreneur and style icon Serena Williams made her debut during the history of the ESSENCE Fest during BEAUTYCON™: @ESSENCEFEST Edition and inaugural ESSENCE Black Women in Business Dinner. This dinner brought together an exclusive group of Black women making strides across varying industries and fields for a private ceremony at the Four Seasons New Orleans honoring Serena Williams (Investor of the Year Award), Thasunda Brown Duckett (CEO of the Year Award), Esi Eggleston Bracey (Transformer of the Year Award), and Laysha Ward (Community Investment Pioneer Award).
ESSENCE Fest continued to serve attendees with unforgettable daytime experiences with appearances from the first Black woman Vice President Kamala Harris at the Global Black Economic Forum HQ® in a candid “Chief to Chief” conversation with Caroline Wanga. With less than 122 days left before the election for the next Presidential administration in the United States, Vice President Harris urged attendees to exercise their power to vote.
“We have extraordinary power and can never let anyone take it away from us. Let us never be shy about our power and never allow circumstances or situations to make us feel small or alone,” said Vice President Harris. “When it comes to the naysayers or the people who try to discourage you, I eat ‘NO’ for breakfast. I don’t hear ‘NO,’ and don’t you either.”
The 30th birthday celebration of the cultural milestone had unforgettable moments with appearances during daytime events from actress, singer, and producer Keke Palmer, voting rights activist Stacey Abrams, chart-topping Afrobeats singer and actress Tiwa Savage, legendary comedian, host, and actor Rickey Smiley, iconic actress Regina Hall, award-winning R&B singer, songwriter, and dancer Mya, and other major names in entertainment.
The highest-grossest performer in the 30-year history of ESSENCE Fest, global icon Janet Jackson, took music devotees on a journey through her career, followed by the farewell and tribute performance to the legendary Frankie Beverly and Maze curated by the multifaceted Grammy-award winning producer and songwriter Bryan Michael-Cox featuring surprise performances by Grammy-award winning R&B singer Anthony Hamilton, R&B singer and songwriter Bilal, Grammy-nominated R&B songstress, and songwriter Lil’ Mo, and chart-topping R&B group Jagged Edge.
The 2024 ESSENCE Fest celebrated its 30th anniversary and continues its tradition of honoring African American culture. This milestone year highlights why the ESSENCE Festival remains a beloved and iconic gathering. For more on ESSENCE Fest, click here.
Source(s):
- Fox 8
- NewOrleans.com
- ESSENCE
