Interview

Bake'N Bacon
Chefs Justin Coleman and Kelvin Alexander of Bake’N Bacon made their return to the Essence Festival of Culture for the second year in a row, representing their Philadelphia-based brand during the Food & Wine segment. Coleman and Alexander launched Bake’N Bacon in 2019 with their first food truck, which has grown into three food trucks, along with a brick-and-mortar restaurant […]

From Food Truck to Essence Fest: Philly’s Bake’N Bacon Talks ...

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At the 2025 Essence Festival, R&B artist and activist Raheem DeVaughn took a moment to reflect on his legacy and the important work he’s doing to raise awareness about HIV in the Black community with his Gilead partnership. “It’s great to still have my name in the conversation of music, radio, […]

Raheem DeVaughn Talks Legacy, HIV Advocacy, and Partnering with Gilead ...

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NPR’s Tiny Desk concerts have cultivated a loyal fan base, thanks to their diverse range of genres, artistry, cultural depth, and rich musical history. During Essence Festival weekend, Tiny Desk host and producer Bobby Carter reflected on his journey, saying his current role is “beyond anything” he dreamed of as a […]

Inside Tiny Desk: Bobby Carter on Curating Iconic Moments and ...

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Maryland Gov. Wes Moore Breaks Down Veto of Another Reparations Study | Essence Fest 2025 Exclusive
Filled with fun, purpose, and celebration, Maryland Gov. Wes Moore and First Lady Dawn Moore graced the 2025 Essence Festival. The couple participated in the Global Black Economic Forum, joining a distinguished lineup of politicians, public officials, and artists, including Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott. Gov. Moore described Essence Festival weekend as […]

#EssenceFest, Action & Ownership: Gov. Wes Moore on Black Wealth, ...

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Kendra Bracken-Ferguson has international acclaim in the world of health and beauty. Her global brand marketing firm, BrainTrust Founders Studio, is the largest membership-based platform for Black beauty and wellness founders and its adjacent BrainTrust Fund. During Essence Festival, Bracken-Ferguson took part in the author’s stage with her book, “The Beauty […]

Author Kendra Bracken-Ferguson Talks New Book “The Beauty of Success” ...

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Since his mainstream debut in 2005, Raheem DeVaughn has consistently delivered bops, reigned as a staple in R&B and has grown as an artist and businessman, all while becoming a DMV icon. During Essence Fest Weekend, DeVaughn shared insights into his creative process over the years while touching on themes of […]

The Evolution of a Music Maestro: Raheem DeVaughn Talks Career, ...

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Candiace Dillard Bassett rose to fame on The Real Housewives of Potomac, which became a stepping stone to expand her career aspirations. The singer, actress, businesswoman, reality TV star and scholar is now on a different life journey, motherhood. In April of this year, Candiace Dillard Bassett announced her pregnancy with […]

From Reality TV to Real Life: Candiace Dillard Bassett on ...

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Edward Buckles Jr. is a multi-faceted creative in the realm of visual storytelling. For the 30th anniversary of Essence Fest, the New Orleans native shot 4 different covers that focused on the culture and beauty of New Orleans people and culture for ESSENCE magazine. “Essence Fest is 30 years old and […]

Capturing New Orleans: Edward Buckles Jr. on ESSENCE Covers, Essence ...

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Jay Ellis, known for his standout roles in TV series like “Insecure” and “Top Gun: Maverick,” has expanded his talents to the literary world with the release of his new book. During Essence Fest, Ellis said that the concept behind his book, “Did Everyone Have an Imaginary Friend (or Just Me)?: […]

Jay Ellis Chronicles Childhood Adventures in New Book “Did Everyone ...

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Reyna Roberts is a rising star in the music scene. After collaborating with Beyoncé on “Cowboy Carter,” we had the chance to catch up with Roberts at the 2024 Essence Festival. She said being a Black woman in Country music has been “incredible.” “I’ve been hoping and praying that people outside […]

#EssenceFest: Reyna Roberts Says Being a Black Woman in Country ...

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“TIME II: Unfinished Business” is a gripping sequel to the Oscar-nominated documentary “TIME.” Directed by Fox Rich, this film delves into the aftermath of her husband Rob Rich’s release from a 21-year imprisonment and their ongoing fight for justice for their unjustly imprisoned nephew, Ontario, and many others caught in the […]

‘TIME II: Unfinished Business’ to Premiere at Essence Festival, Continues ...

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