If you know a Black auntie, the chance that she is already in New Orleans or headed there in the next day or two is high. ESSENCE Fest, the annual music festival hosted by the powers that be at ESSENCE magazine, kicked off Thursday, and it is one of the biggest events of the year for Black women in America. It was the setting for the 2017 summer smash movie Girls Trip, and to be honest, I’m more than a little salty that I’ve still never been. This year’s performance lineup includes Janet Jackson, Ella Mai, Miguel, and a DJ set from Idris Elba, just to name a few acts over the course of four days.
But ESSENCE Fest is more than just a music festival. It has been dubbed the “party with a purpose” because supporting the daily concerts is an expo and conference component that offers attendees to boss up in just about every aspect of their lives. Just a few of the themes include beauty and style, entrepreneurship and careers, technology, and entertainment and they are enacted with a series of keynotes, workshops, and panels. Foodies can watch renowned Black chefs prepare dishes in front of huge crowds. This year, Vivica A. Fox is giving a keynote about her career. ESSENCE Fest is one part turn-up and one part glow-up, encouraging the women who travel from all over to be a better version of themselves by the end of it.
Continue reading the full article: Refinery29
