NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - JULY 06: Usher performs onstage during Day 2 of the 2024 ESSENCE Festival of Culture presented by Coca-Cola at Caesars Superdome on July 06, 2024 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Bennett Raglin/Getty Images for ESSENCE)
Day three of the 2024 ESSENCE Festival of Culture™ presented by Coca-Cola® continued as Vice President Kamala Harris engaged in a candid “Chief to Chief” conversation with ESSENCE Ventures President and CEO Caroline Wanga at the Global Black Economic Forum HQ.
The 2024 ESSENCE Festival of Culture continued its third day with an electrifying lineup of events and appearances that captivated attendees at the New Orleans Convention Center. The day was filled with a diverse range of experiences, from behind-the-scenes looks at hit TV shows to candid conversations with some of the biggest names in entertainment, sports, and entrepreneurship.
The day also saw the debut of Serena Williams at the ESSENCE Festival of Culture™. The legendary athlete, entrepreneur, and style icon, Serena Williams, made her first appearance during BEAUTYCON™.
New Orleans rapper Treety, singer and songwriter 4Batz and the “City Cinderella,” Miami-bred chart-topping femcee JT gave performances at the ESSENCE® GU® Kickback.
Highlights of the day included a fireside chat with actress Emayatzy Corinealdi and actors Morris Chestnut and McKinley Freeman, who provided fans with an exclusive glimpse into the making of Season 2 of the Hulu series “Reasonable Doubt.”
Actor Aldis Hodge also delved into the mind of Detective Cross, sharing how his portrayal of the popular character encompasses themes of brotherhood, family, and Black love.
Harris, the first Black woman to hold the office, shared insights on leadership and empowerment. She urged attendees on the importance of voting locally and its impact.
The day’s programming also featured a candid conversation with some of the biggest names in Black reality TV, including pioneer of bounce Big Freedia, entrepreneur Yandy Smith-Harris, and entrepreneur and TV personality Toya Johnson-Rushing. Moderated by producer Carlos King, the discussion offered a unique behind-the-scenes look at the industry.
The festival also welcomed two of the greatest athletes of all time, as Sonya Curry and Lucille O’Neal, mothers of NBA superstars, joined Michelle L. Rice, President of TV One and CLEO TV, for a candid conversation on nurturing the talent and minds of children destined for greatness.
Legendary actress and producer Sanaa Lathan, award-winning actor Morris Chestnut, trailblazing author dream hampton, and actress Meagan Good brought their star power to the ESSENCE Film Festival® by ESSENCE STUDIOS™, engaging in a captivating discussion about Black Hollywood.
The ESSENCE Authors™ experience on Saturday, July 6th, featured an impressive lineup of authors and literary voices, including politician Bakari Sellers, romance pioneers Beverly Jenkins, Brenda Jackson, and Donna Hill, showcasing the richness and diversity of contemporary literature.
Throughout the day, the energy and excitement at the 2024 ESSENCE Festival of Culture were palpable, as attendees were treated to a remarkable array of experiences that celebrated the best of Black culture, entertainment, and entrepreneurship.
The Essence Festival of Culture™ Presented By Coca-Cola® delivered an unforgettable night of musical excellence, showcasing some of the industry’s most iconic performers. The highlight of the evening was undoubtedly Usher’s special one-night-only performance of his generation-defining album “Confessions” in its entirety.
Usher’s Grammy-award-winning vocals captivated the audience, reminding everyone why he is considered a true R&B legend.
Legendary artist Charlie Wilson also returned to the Essence Festival stage for the 8th time, solidifying his status as one of the festival’s most beloved performers. Alongside Wilson, the event featured a star-studded lineup, including the legendary DJ D-Nice and his global sensation, Club Quarantine Live.
The performance brought together icons from various genres, including Method Man, Sheila E, Big Boi, Donell Jones, Tweet, Machel Montano, and Lloyd, as well as the highly anticipated reunion of the R&B supergroup, TGT (Tyrese, Ginuwine & Tank).
The Essence Festival of Culture™ Presented By Coca-Cola® once again proved to be a must-attend event for music lovers, delivering an unforgettable night of soulful and energetic performances that will be remembered for years to come.
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