The 29th ESSENCE Festival of Culture™, presented by Coca-Cola®, was held in New Orleans, Louisiana, from June 30th to July 2nd, 2023. The theme was Celebration of 50 Years of Hip Hop. It was an unprecedented vibe and energy throughout the city and multiple surrounding cities. Everywhere you turned, there were long lines of ‘happy’ people waiting to get into restaurants, bars, and clubs. Even in the 100+ degree weather, it was nothing given the reason for the celebration. The event is far beyond an entertainment experience – it's an absolute MOVEMENT! Last year's attendance attracted over 167,000 attendees per day, and this year it is estimated the number increased exponentially.
On day one the connection between Hip-Hop and Gospel was celebrated at ESSENCE Get Lifted™: Gospel Celebration with performances by Erika Campbell, Tweet, Cory Stewart, Authentically Anointed, Dee-1, Wande, and a surprise performer Young, Gifted & on Fire. A riveting sermon was delivered by Pastor Jamal Bryant, who encouraged the audience to walk in with their purpose. All taking place at the Morial Convention Center.
The FREE and open-to-the-public daytime experiences were held at Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, and there has been no cost to attend these events since the festival's inception. Thousands flooded the convention center, and the design, organization, flow of events, and overall excitement to be in the building filled the air. From children to our beloved seniors, everyone enjoyed the activation installations that greeted every attendee as they entered the convention center. Let's just say 'mini-movies and reels' happened at the entrance. Simply FAB!
The ESSENCE Global Black Economic Forum™ featured panel discussions with New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell moderating a conversation with Major Eric Adams of NYC, Major Karen Bass of LA, Major Sylvester Turner of Houston, Major Justin Bibb of Cleveland, and former New Orleans Mayor Marc Morial. When you have the attendance and attention of over 150,000 people, it's essential to use that platform opportunity to address issues most pressing for Black people. The insight shared in this conversation gave attendees information to help them navigate this current and forthcoming economic climate.
Also at the convention center, Vice President Kamala Harris joined the Global Black Economic Forum™ providing attendees with insight into the fight for reproductive freedom with lawyer, journalist, author, and television host Sunny Hostin and executive director of Sister Song Monica Simpson. Oprah Winfrey joined Essence Ventures President and CEO Caroline Wanga for a Chief to-Chief conversation which was followed by the Page to the Stage and Beyond a discussion of the nearly 40-year legacy and impact of The Color Purple featuring Blitz Bazawule, Taraji P. Henson, Danielle Brooks, and Fantasia Barrino.
ESSENCE Studios Film Festival™ continued to showcase storytellers across the African diaspora at the convention center. The film festival also included the Nigeria Day Film Festival, an entire day of Nigerian shorts, feature films, and panel discussions around the growth of the film industry in Nigeria, and fruitful opportunities for those looking to invest in international film distribution.
The ESSENCE In His Zone™: Men's Experience with speakers such as Rick Ross, Deon Cole, NBA players, and more drew large crowds of men who attended with their sons, nephews, brothers, and mentees and to hear the rich dialogue around responsibility, education careers, advocacy and more. It was standing room only, and the deep blue velvet décor from the seating to the ambiance lighting was the right touch to set the atmosphere.
The nightlife of ESSENCE at the Superdome was magnetic and unprecedented. There were more than 40 performers during the 3-day festivities, which included Missy Elliott (the first female Hip-Hop artist to be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame), Lauryn Hill, Jill Scott, Ice Cube, E-40, T.I. Doug E. Fresh, Juvenile, Janelle Monae, Megan Thee Stallion, Lil Wayne, Trina, Remy Ma and more!
Next year will be ESSENCE's 30th-year celebration, and you can only imagine how exciting this will be for the nation's largest party of Black culture.
