Hey y’all! We’re back down in New Orleans this weekend for the Essence Festival of Culture 2023! It was a jam-packed day full of travel and heat (seriously, it is HAWT), but nonetheless, it was a filled day of activities.
Day one kicked off with Mayor LaToya Cantrell of New Orleans and ESSENCE Ventures President & CEO Caroline Wanga and the executive leadership team hosting a press conference and sharing opening remarks.
As you all know, Essence Fest has been held at New Orleans for many years. While it’s not the only reason I find myself in New Orleans, I like committing to it at least once a year.
After the welcome ceremony, there was the Global Black Economic Forum at the Four Seasons, where members of The Biden-Harris Administration, including Vice President Kamala Harris, US Ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield, and Administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Michael S. Regan, took part in discussions on issues ranging from the evolution of philanthropy to addressing inequity on corporate boards.
At that event, there was a focus on topics and people such as advancing equity and opportunity for Black communities across the country with history-making Black trailblazers, including Hip-Hop icons and game-changers Doug E. Fresh and D-Nice, CNBC Reporter and Anchor Deborah Helman and Ebony Thomas, respectively, Vice President of Partnerships & Engagement at Google Valeisha Butterfield Jones, and more.
Perhaps one of the most exciting events of the day belonged to the State of Black Media panel discussion with Caroline Wanga, Detavio Samuels, CEO of Revolt, and Travis Montaque, Group Black Co-Founder & Chief Strategy Officer. As someone who has worked in the Black media space for some time, I know this was a productive conversation. Long story short, WE DESERVE MORE.
During the nighttime experiences, AFROPUNK made its debut at the ESSENCE Festival of Culture with the AFROPUNK Krewe Ball, taking the night by storm at the Joy Theater. Notable attendees included a performance by Durand Bernarr and DJ sets by LIL JODECI, DJ Chinua, DJ PR_CK, DJ B-HEN, and hosted by Ebony New Orleans.
So as you can see, day one was POPPIN’ and exciting! Stay tuned for day two!
