Essence Communications Inc.

Dear New Orleans, Your Vieux Carré streets were reclaimed by Black women, boasting all our shades and shapes, sashaying in colorful, silky sundresses, two-piece linen sets, and hoochie-mama shorts. With our singin’ and sanctified! It felt like I’d arrived in Black heaven. Watching thousands sway together, our spirits intertwined, I realized then that something special lived here—not merely in Frankie Beverly and Maze’s music, but in your essence, New Orleans. Without our ancestors, there would be no New Orleans. This country tries to hide the truth of our genius, but your existence reveals what it means to build, resist, and remember. The scent of fried fish and creole dishes, seasoned to perfection and reminiscent of Haiti, wafts from the food trucks and sidewalk set-ups that offer staples like red beans and rice. Whether we walk these streets as locals or as visitors, we must acknowledge that ESSENCE Fest would not be the haven it is without the heart-posture of Black New Orleanians. We Love You, We Love Us! For our July/August issue, we are celebrating 30 years of the ESSENCE Festival of Culture and paying tribute to the people of New Orleans with a love letter to the city that has become our home! Get your copy on newsstands on 6/25! Read the cover story here: https://lnkd.in/gi7fWf-T The Credits: Writer: Stevona Elem-Rogers  Photographer/Director: Edward Buckles, Jr.   Assistant Director: Marcus Brown  Photography Assistants: J. Alejandro Moreno, Peter Philips, and Val Dagrain  Gaffer: Cyr Eugene  Production Assistant & Movement Director: Ammara Khalid  Retouching: Molly Solorzano    ESSENCE, SVP, Creative: Corey Stokes ESSENCE, Senior Content Director: Nandi Howard ESSENCE, Visual Director: Michael Quinn ESSENCE, Design Director: Anthony Bryant

The second in command to the commander in chief at Chief to Chief? Yes, Please. Black Women running things is our all-time favorite genre. You are cordially invited to witness a spirited conversation with Vice President Kamala Harris and our CEO and President Caroline Wanga. Let’s get into some things, put the fiction to rest, and let the facts speak for themselves, shall we? Coming together with the common goal of US at the forefront is the agenda. Shift your schedule and dress like WE know how to do for this one—we have work to do! See you at 5:15 pm cst on Saturday, July 6th, at the GBEF HQ stage at the Convention Center. You don’t want to be late for this one. Seating is on a first-come, first-serve basis. Plan accordingly. Mhmmmm. This will be live-streamed at ESSENCE.com and ESSENCEFestival.com. Here we come, and Here we Go!

Hold up and wait a minute — the Convention Center during our daytime experiences is coming with that 🔥. We’re bringing out all of your faves to the 30th celebration of ESSENCE Fest. Swipe through for an all-star lineup. Download the E360 app to stay in the know of all things #ESSENCEFest! See you in New Orleans! Read more about our line up here: https://lnkd.in/g_Tx3qxk

Dear New Orleans, There is a magic that fills your streets, a rhythm that pulses in your heart, and a spirit that dances in your soul. Your culture is a vibrant tapestry woven with threads of history, music, cuisine, and community, and you wear it well. But it is your people who are the true heart of New Orleans. Their warmth and hospitality are as inviting as your sunlit streets. In the face of adversity, they stand resilient, with a spirit as unbreakable as the levees that hold back the waters. The stories you tell, the traditions you uphold, and the community you build are the lifeblood of the culture. Today, we celebrate the very foundation of the city we call home. The people! Our July / August Issue, a love letter to New Orleans, is available on newsstands today! We Love You. We Love Us. Photography: Edward Buckles, Jr

Today, the ESSENCE Festival of Culture, the Global Black Economic Forum and When We All Vote announced a groundbreaking partnership to mobilize voters and bring voting to the culture this year. This special partnership aims to recruit 10,000 volunteers as Essence Voting Squad members, register thousands of people to vote and educate one million voters on what's on the ballot. Read more about the partnership here: https://lnkd.in/gB8JArnm

This Is Our Love Letter To New Orleans! “Dear New Orleans” takes us on a captivating journey into the cultural heartbeat of one of America’s most iconic cities,  New Orleans, through the lens of native son Edward Buckles, Jr., just in time for the 30th anniversary of Essence Festival. Edward immerses himself in the rich tapestry of Black New Orleans; through intimate conversations and captivating encounters, we gain insight into the resilience, creativity, and enduring spirit of the city and its people. “Dear New Orleans” is more than just a documentary; it’s a love letter to a city that has continuously inspired the world. Watch the world premiere of “Dear New Orleans” during the ESSENCE Film Festival, July 5th-7th, as part of the ESSENCE Festival of Culture! We Love You. We Love Us. Director: Edward Buckles, Jr.   Assistant Director: Marcus Brown Photography Assistants: J. Alejandro Moreno, Peter Philips and Val Dagrain Gaffer: Cyr Eugene Production Assistant & Movement Director: Ammara Khalid Retouching: Molly Solorzano ESSENCE, SVP, Creative: Corey Stokes   ESSENCE, VP, Video: Stephanie Dunivan  ESSENCE, Design Director: Anthony Bryant

The music of Maze featuring Frankie Beverly is the soundtrack of warm dusks spent cruising local side streets, with the windows down and the speakers turned on high. Beverly’s voice conjures memories of late afternoons seated in a sunny corner of the extended family’s spacious backyard, eavesdropping on “grown-folks business” being discussed at the cooler while the aroma of an active grill fills the air. The group’s songs trigger ­muscle memory of doing the electric slide on freshly cut grass, forming Soul Train lines in the living room, and enjoying slow dances under the stars. So, it’s no surprise that the legendary performer is returning to the pinnacle of summer, the ESSENCE Festival of Culture, for our 30th anniversary. He will be receiving his flowers as a legacy entertainer and, for one last time, commanding the very stage he helped build from its inception. Now, they will be honored on that same stage for all they’ve contributed to the culture. Frankie Beverly covers our very special ESSENCE Festival of Culture 30th Anniversary subscribers cover! Join us Sunday Night for the farewell of a cultural icon Frankie Beverly at ESSENCE Festivals 30th Celebration! Written by: Rivea Ruff Photographed by: Nolis Anderson

We are extending the opportunity for Black local minority and women-owned small businesses based in New Orleans. Qualified businesses will receive ESSENCE sanctioned graphics to enhance your promotional materials. Register for the ESSENCE Festival 2024 Sanction Program by 11:59 pm CST, Sunday, June 21, 2024!Eligibility Requirements: 1. Minority- or women-owned small business 2. Principal business location in New Orleans, Louisiana 3. Complete and timely submission of the applicationNote: Fully complete the application to avoid denial. This application does not replace any necessary permitting with the City of New Orleans or the State.Participation in the Sanction Program is not mandatory for business operation. However, accepted businesses will get a license to use the sanctioned ESSENCE logo during the 2024 ESSENCE Festival of Culture™ presented by Coca-Cola®, from June 1-8, 2024.  https://bit.ly/3z7vjTD #ESSENCEFest #NewOrleans

Exciting times ahead as we get ready for the 30th ESSENCE Festival of Culture! We’re thrilled to celebrate alongside the vibrant New Orleans and Louisiana community. This year, we’re shining a spotlight on local talent like never before, including Birdman Presents 30 Years of Cash Money Millionaires, Tank and the Bangas, Teedra Moses, Dawn Richard, Lloyd, and more! But that’s not all – we’re also showing our support for partnerships with Femme Fatale and Zulu during Mardi Gras season, and investing in youth organizations and local businesses for a positive impact all year round. Just recently, we had a major win for the community at City Hall, ensuring that the Clean Zone serves all local businesses. And this year, local minority and women-owned businesses in the Clean Zone area will be able to activate experiences without disruption – all thanks to your support! With the unwavering support of our Host Committee, including the City of New Orleans and New Orleans Tourism and Cultural Fund, we’re making strides in areas that matter most to the people of New Orleans. See you in New Orleans 🫶🏾🫶🏿 Read more about the Clean Zone here: https://lnkd.in/g2UV9RS6

Move the living room furniture out of the way, grab your favorite adult beverage, and tell your friends we are having a good ole house party! D-Nice is getting us in the mood to celebrate our 30th Celebration with a special edition of Club Quarantine at 4:00 PM PST/ 7:00 PM EST. That’s right, TONIGHT, join us on our Instagram Live for a very special mix as we gear up for the ESSENCE Festival of Culture! Tell a friend to tell a friend! See you there!