Interview

Actress Malinda Williams is using her platform to promote wellness, raise awareness and support the community through her partnership with Black Girl Vitamins. The veteran actress recently spoke with InquisitiveCarter.com at Essence Festival about her relationship with the wellness brand, which began organically after she met the people in charge of […]

Malinda Williams Says Black Girl Vitamins Is Making an Impact ...

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NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - JULY 05: JustCordell performs onstage during the 2026 ESSENCE Festival of Culture® presented by Coca-Cola® at Ernest N. Morial Convention Center on July 05, 2026 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for ESSENCE)
JustCordell is embracing the full-circle moments as the gospel artist and award nominee recently brought his energy to the ESSENCE Festival of Culture 2026 for a performance, as well as connecting with fans during one of the biggest celebrations of Black music and culture. For JustCordell, the opportunity to perform at […]

JustCordell Reflects on Stellar Awards Nomination, ESSENCE Festival Performance & ...

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As a journalist and on-air personality on The Breakfast Club, Loren LoRosa brought her signature energy to the ESSENCE Festival of Culture, where she opened up about navigating the balance between being a journalist and recognizing herself as talent. During an interview with InquisitiveCarter.com, LoRosa admitted that finding that balance has […]

Loren LoRosa Talks Finding Balance Between Journalism and Talent at ...

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NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - JULY 03: Daley speaks attends the 2026 ESSENCE Festival of Culture® presented by Coca-Cola® at Ernest N. Morial Convention Center on July 03, 2026 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Marcus Ingram/Getty Images for ESSENCE)
For Daley, returning to New Orleans wasn’t just another performance; it marked the beginning of a new chapter. The British singer-songwriter helped kick off ESSENCE Festival weekend on July 2 during SiriusXM Heart & Soul Presents “Night in N’Awlins” at Tipitina’s alongside Raheem DeVaughn and Lalah Hathaway. The intimate concert marked […]

#EssenceFest: Daley Reflects on Personal Loss, Growth and His Long-Awaited ...

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Raheem DeVaughn
For generations across the Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia region, The Quiet Storm has been more than a late-night radio show. It’s a cultural institution. A soundtrack for first loves, long drives home, family gatherings and moments of reflection. Since its debut on WHUR in 1976, the format has influenced radio […]

Raheem DeVaughn on Becoming the Voice of WHUR’s The Quiet ...

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NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - JULY 05: Ricky Dillard performs onstage during the 2026 ESSENCE Festival of Culture® presented by Coca-Cola® at Ernest N. Morial Convention Center on July 05, 2026 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for ESSENCE)
Award-winning artist Ricky Dillard’s career has long connected gospel and Chicago house music, a crossover he says happened naturally rather than through a deliberate career shift. Speaking with InquisitiveCarter.com at the 2026 ESSENCE Festival of Culture, Dillard reflected on blending Gospel with House music and remaining grounded in his faith throughout […]

#EssenceFest: Artist Ricky Dillard How Gospel Shaped His House Music ...

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In recognition of World AIDS Day, Raheem DeVaughn is using his voice and platform to bring attention to HIV prevention, education and access, especially within Black communities. During a recent conversation with the artist and humanitarian, DeVaughn discussed the importance of awareness around PrEP and why he believes visibility, transparency, and […]

Raheem DeVaughn Encourages HIV Awareness, Prevention, and Access on World ...

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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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Bessie Coleman’s Story Takes Flight Through Documentary and Book “Queen of the Skies” The family of Bessie Coleman, the first African American and Native American woman to earn an international pilot license, is working to keep her legacy alive through a new book, documentary, and youth aviation program. Gigi Coleman, Bessie […]

Bessie Coleman’s Story Takes Flight Through Documentary and Book “Queen ...

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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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