Essence Fest

Vernicia Respress
Artist Vernicia Respress says inspiration can come from almost anywhere. Sometimes it’s the energy of an event. Other times it’s a color, a mood, or even something she’s eating. The Atlanta-based artist showcased her work during the 2026 ESSENCE Festival of Culture, where attendees were drawn to her vibrant, textured paintings […]

Interview: Artist Vernicia Respress Brings Bold, Textured Work to ESSENCE ...

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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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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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essence fest logo
The ESSENCE Festival of Culture presented by Coca-Cola is expanding its creative team for 2026 by bringing in Cultural Curators to shape different parts of the festival experience. They join Chief Curator Teyana Taylor, who oversees the overall vision and direction of the event. Three curators will each lead a key […]

ESSENCE Festival Reveals Cultural Curators Mara Brock Akil, Nikole Hannah-Jones, ...

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Women who have persevered, broken records, and built lasting legacies will take center stage as the ESSENCE Festival of Culture® presented by Coca-Cola® has announced the first wave of performers for 2026. Cardi B, Patti LaBelle, Kehlani, Latto, and Brandy & Monica are officially on the bill. This year will mark […]

ESSENCE Festival 2026 Reveals First Performers Including Cardi B, Brandy ...

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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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As the summer heat begins to rise in New Orleans, so does the anticipation for one of the most iconic cultural celebrations in America. ESSENCE Communications has just dropped the second wave of performers for the 2025 ESSENCE Festival of Culture® presented by Coca-Cola®. And This year’s theme? Made Like This. […]

ESSENCE Festival of Culture® Unveils Evening Concert Series Lineup: Babyface, ...

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Tabitha Brown, Wayne Brady, Kamala Harris captured at 2024 Essence Festival by InquisitiveCarter.com
The ESSENCE Festival of Culture® continues its tradition this summer back in New Orleans, bringing 55 years of culture, music, and nonstop celebration to life. ESSENCE continues honoring its roots while shaping the future, proving once again that what’s Made Like This doesn’t just happen—it’s inherited, intentional, and iconic. Hosted by […]

ESSENCE Festival 2025: A Celebration 55 Years in the Making ...

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Hip-Hop legend MC Lyte made a memorable appearance at this year’s Essence Festival when introducing the talented kid rapper Van Van to an enthusiastic crowd. The audience was thrilled to see the young artist take the stage. Van Van’s performance was energetic and showcased that even at a her age, the […]

#EssenceFest: MC Lyte Shines Spotlight on Rising Star Van Van

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