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 […]
In a captivating panel discussion during Essence Fest, top stars from Disney Entertainment Television delved into the significance of Black male representation on-screen and the evolving nature of their roles. The panel, moderated by the multi-talented Wayne Brady, featured prominent actors Luke James, Brian Michael Smith, McKinley Freeman, Jocko Sims, and […]
Autumn Sun, a grassroots organization supporting young, Black artists, is set to hold its inaugural, in-person HBCU Student Film Invitational in Detroit. The festival will feature 25 short films from HBCUs, with students competing for a $10,000 Jury Award. The event will be broadcast live on HBCU Go TV, part of […]
From “Chasing Destiny” on BET to working with artists like Solange, Michael Bolton, Kelly Rowland, Raye and more, to releasing her recent EP, “LATENCY,” Skye Isaac is an artist to watch on a trajectory to a flourishing career. During the 30th anniversary of Essence Festival, Isaac and I discussed her musical […]
In an enchanting family-style conversation during Essence Fest, a celebration occurred when discussing the transition of Princess Tiana from “The Princess and the Frog” from the big screen to the innovative new attraction, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, at Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort. Moderated by Brooke Harper, the panel featured […]
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 […]
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 […]
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)?: […]
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 […]
The 30th birthday celebration of the ESSENCE Festival of Culture™ presented by Coca-Cola® concluded with a spectacular day filled with sunrise-to-sunset unforgettable moments. The final day was graced by a star-studded lineup during the daytime events, featuring appearances from actress, singer, and producer Keke Palmer, voting rights activist Stacey Abrams, chart-topping Afrobeats singer and actress Tiwa Savage, comedian, […]
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 […]
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. The day was filled with notable events, including the return of the Global Black […]
The 2024 ESSENCE Festival Of Culture, presented By Coca-Cola, marked its 30th anniversary with an opening day dedicated to honoring its long-time host city, New Orleans. Mayor LaToya Cantrell and ESSENCE Ventures President & CEO Caroline Wanga, joined by the executive leadership team, began the festivities with heartfelt remarks at the Press Welcome Event and Immersion, emphasizing […]
SheaMoisture, in collaboration with Smirnoff and Insights Marketing, is set to honor female leaders during Essence Festival weekend in New Orleans at the Women En Blanc event. 2024 marks the 5th anniversary of this historical brunch, renowned for Black women celebrating Black excellence among their peers. The Women En Blanc event […]
A true DMV icon: Mýa’s performance at AFRAM in Baltimore was nothing short of spectacular. Mýa captivated the audience from the very first note upon walking on the stage, commanding all eyes and cheers. She effortlessly transitioned between her classic hits like “Case of the Ex,” “Best of Me,” “My Love […]
