Essence Festival Kicks Off Third Day With Influential Line-Up
by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors
July 7, 2024
The Black women-focused festival kicked off July 4 in New Orleans.
The 2024 Essence Festival of Culture continues its third day of inspiring events with Kamala Harris, Serena Williams, and more.
In its 30th year, the festival highlighted these influential Black women as they led conversations in politics, business, and the overall empowerment of their communities. Vice President Harris engaged in a “Chief-to-Chief” conversation with Essence’s Ventures President and CEO Caroline Wanga. During their discussion at Global Black Economic Forum HQ, Harris encouraged attendees to “unleash their power” in any space they occupy, especially as the Presidential Election nears.
Presented by Coca-Cola, The Essence Stage hosted a full-day of panels and engagements with celebrity speakers. Serena Williams spoke at BeatyCon: Essence Edition to talk of her entrepreneurial journey from tennis champion to beauty brand founder. Emayatzy Corinealdi and Morris Chestnut, stars of Hulu’s “Reasonable Doubt,” shared in the festivities with a sneak peek of the show’s second season.
Moreover, the mothers of the NBA, Sonya Curry and Lucille O’Neal, joined Michelle L. Rice, president of TV One and CLEO TV, in a conversation on preparing Black children for greatness. Television producer Carlos King later spilled the reali(tea) on entertainment. He joined New Orleans’ very own Big Freedia, Yandy Smith-Harris, and Toya Johnson-Rushing in the fun-filled talk.
On the evening of July 6, the inaugural Black Women in Business dinner honored Williams with the Investor of the Year award. This year sparked Essence’s first-ever ‘Black Women In…” event, recognizing these trailblazers in diverse industries. Hosted by Rashida Jones, the occasion also honored Thasunda Brown Duckett (CEO of the Year Award), Esi Eggleston Bracey (Transformer of the Year Award), and Laysha Ward (Community Investment Pioneer Award) for their professional contributions across sectors.
On the music side, 4batz and newly solo City Girl JT rocked the stage at the Essence GU kickback. However, Headliner Usher topped the night off with a special, one-night-only performance of his entire “Confessions” album. Charlie Wilson also returned to the Essence Stage for his 8th time performing at the decorated event.
More of the day’s events included the Suede: Men’s experience. At the panel, Lance Gross and Terrance J saluted their HBCU experiences and its impact on their acting careers. A further nod to Black Hollywood brought Meagan Good, Sanaa Lathan, and writer dream hampton to discuss the industry currently.
With the inclusion of additional panels for authors and entrepreneurs, Essence Festival’s Day 3 further solidified its cultural legacy and impact, continuing its jam-packed line-up of honored guests.
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