Day two of the 2024 ESSENCE Festival of Culture™ presented by Coca-Cola® was a spectacular celebration from sunrise to sunset, featuring the debut of two exciting experiences: ESSENCE Hollywood House™ and Suede: Men’s Experience™ at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center.
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - JULY 05: Danielle Pinnock attends 2024 ESSENCE Festival Of Culture™ Presented By Coca-Cola® at Ernest N. Morial Convention Center on July 05, 2024 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Cindy Ord/Getty Images for ESSENCE)
The day was filled with notable events, including the return of the Global Black Economic Forum HQ®. This forum served as a hub for innovation, discussion, and action on themes such as the future of work, wealth, health, and democracy. Esteemed speakers included civil rights leader Reverend Al Sharpton, Congresswoman Maxine Waters, and MSNBC Correspondent Trymaine Lee.
The ESSENCE Film Festival® by ESSENCE STUDIOS™ featured curated conversations with award-winning actress and comedian Danielle Pinnock and iconic actress Essence Atkins, who shared their experiences as Black actresses.
Additionally, Beautycon™: ESSENCE Festival of Culture™ Edition captivated attendees by challenging perceptions and shattering definitions within the beauty community. Model and media personality, Sabrina Elba, shared reflection on the direction the beauty industry is heading and how this aligns with the values of consumers.
Interviews:
Hip-Hop legend Jadakiss and Grammy-nominated singer and songwriter Tank stopped by the AT&T® Dream in Black stage while nationally recognized dancer Amari “Monster” Marshall taught a mini dance class series at the AFROPUNK BLKTOPIA™ stage.
Wellness entrepreneur Dreka Gates spoke to the importance of having access to fresh, nutrient rich foods to combat food deserts and reducing the risk of life-threatening health conditions at the ESSENCE Food & Wine Festival™.
Concert-goers enjoyed performances from Raphael Saadiq, The Roots & Friends featuring Ari Lennox, Mickey Guyton, T. Pain, Busta Rhymes, Jacquees, and newcomer 4Batz.
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - JULY 05: (L-R) Birdman and B.G. perform onstage during Day 1 of the 2024 ESSENCE Festival of Culture presented by Coca-Cola at Caesars Superdome on July 05, 2024 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Aaron J. Thornton/Getty Images for ESSENCE)
The evening was electrified by the highly anticipated performance from headliners Birdman And Friends Presents 30th Anniversary Of Cash Money Millionaires.
This iconic event reunited the Hot Boyz on stage in their hometown for the first time in nearly two decades, featuring Birdman, Lil Wayne, Juvenile, Mannie Fresh, and B.G.
The concert also showcased additional performances from artists who have partnered with Cash Money over the past three decades, including Scarface, Bun B, and 2 Chainz.