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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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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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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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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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Kendra Bracken-Ferguson has international acclaim in the world of health and beauty. Her global brand marketing firm, BrainTrust Founders Studio, is the largest membership-based platform for Black beauty and wellness founders and its adjacent BrainTrust Fund. During Essence Festival, Bracken-Ferguson took part in the author’s stage with her book, “The Beauty […]

Author Kendra Bracken-Ferguson Talks New Book “The Beauty of Success” ...

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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 […]

The Evolution of a Music Maestro: Raheem DeVaughn Talks Career, ...

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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 […]

Disney Television Stars Discuss Evolution of Black Male Representation On-Screen ...

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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 […]

Celebrating Tiana’s Bayou Adventure at Disney Parks with Anika Noni ...

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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 […]

Capturing New Orleans: Edward Buckles Jr. on ESSENCE Covers, Essence ...

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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)?: […]

Jay Ellis Chronicles Childhood Adventures in New Book “Did Everyone ...

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