2019 ESSENCE FESTIVAL 25TH ANNIVERSARY PERFORMANCE LINE-UP

The ESSENCE Festival®, the world’s largest entertainment and cultural experience, celebrates its 25th anniversary during Fourth of July weekend in New Orleans and unveiled part one of its epic 25th anniversary performance line-up.  The impressive schedule currently features more than 80 of the most talented and creative artists from across the globe.  More acts will be announced in the coming weeks.

The 2019 ESSENCE Festival’s three-night concert series at the Louisiana Superdome includes Missy Elliott, Mary J. Blige, NAS, H.E.R., Anthony Hamilton, Big Freedia, Davido, Doug E. Fresh, Frankie Beverly, Jermaine Dupri, Ledisi, MC Lyte, Morris Day, Musiq Soulchild, Pharrell Williams, Ronnie, Bobby, Ricky & Mike (RBRM), Sheila E., Teddy Riley, Teyana Taylor, Timbaland, VanJess and more. Hosted by Loni Love. Music by D-Nice.

Additional performers include 702, AlunaGeorge, ALX, Amanda Black, Big Daddy Kane, Biz Markie, Brownstone, Celeste Ntuli, City Girls, El Debarge, Elle Varner, Erica Falls, EU, Force MDs, Ginuwine, Jacquees, Koryn Hawthorne, Lucky Daye, Mase, Nao, Nigel Hall, Normani, Queen Naija, Rakim, Rayvanny, Sauti Sol, Scarface, Talk Box, Tellaman, Vanessa Mdee, Water Seed and more. Plus, a live album recording by PJ Morton with Jojo, Luke James, Mia X, Pell and The Hamiltones.

“When the ESSENCE Festival was founded 25 years ago, it marked a pivotal moment of vision and reverence – a critical acknowledgement of and investment in the power of our culture,” said Michelle Ebanks, Chief Executive Officer of ESSENCE Communications. “In the years since, it has set a standard that many other festivals have aspired to, and today, the ESSENCE Festival has grown to represent an annual homecoming for Black artists from across the globe.  In honor of our 25th anniversary, nearly 30 artists per night over 3 epic nights will come together to mount the world’s largest and most extraordinary cultural celebration. To one and all, we say, ‘Welcome to ESSENCE. Welcome home.’”

Special performance highlights include two seminal albums thematically brought to life, Mary J. Blige’s ‘My Life’ and NAS’ ‘Illmatic’ – each of which are marking 25-year anniversaries in 2019.   ESSENCE will also cultivate a special mainstage moment honoring Frankie Beverly for his lifetime contribution to music.

Weekend ticket packages are on sale now with prices starting at $185. For information about ticket sales, accommodations and the latest news about the ESSENCE Festival®visit Essence.com/festival.  Join the festival community: Follow us on Twitter @essencefest #EssenceFest and become a fan of Festival on Facebook.

CHLOE X HALLE ON ESSENCE MAGAZINE NEW DIGITAL COVER

ESSENCE, the number one media, technology and commerce company serving Black women, announces its first-ever digital cover. It was announced today by ESSENCE Chief Content Officer MoAna Luu. The inaugural cover, featuring Grammy-nominated sister act and Grown-ish stars Chloe x Halle, launches on Wednesday, February 6th. The launch follows the musical duo’s outstanding Super Bowl LIII performance of America the Beautiful.

Each month, ESSENCE’s digital cover will showcase a sleek, eye-catching design as well as an interactive rollout. The cover reveal will live on ESSENCE.com’s homepage as a premium featured article and touted across all of ESSENCE’s digital and social platforms. Other offerings include exclusive custom video content, such as “Uncovered” which will feature behind-the-scenes interviews; “B-side,” a game featuring cover talent; social media take-overs and more. In addition, content will also be included in ESSENCE’s monthly print newsstand edition.

“We are thrilled to have stunning sisters Chloe x Halle to grace ESSENCE’s inaugural digital cover,” said Luu. “The launch of our new digital covers is a natural progression for us, as ESSENCE’s platforms continue to reflect what is new and next in our community. It will allow us to capture the spirit of the global community of multicultural women by sharing their stories and building a platform for their voice.

We will be able to elevate our audience’s experience with a vibrant, fresh and bold new look. We are excited to be able to connect with today’s Black woman as one global community—from the United States, Africa and across the Afro-diaspora.”

In the cover story Dream Catchers—written by ESSENCE’s Fashion and Beauty Director Julee Wilson—the sisters share their reaction to their first-time Grammy-nomination, the success of the runaway hit series Grown-ish and their unbreakable bond. The cover story—shot against the stunning backdrop of the Mojave Desert—was photographed by Djenaba Aduayom and styled by Zerina Akers.

Halle tells ESSENCE: “We still feel like we’re dreaming about the Grammy nominations. We’re forever grateful, and we know that no more matter what happens, this honor, it will stay with us for the rest of our lives—and it just inspires us to keep going…”

For more on ESSENCE’s inaugural digital cover, visit ESSENCE.com.

About Essence Communications Inc.

Essence Communications is the number one media, technology and commerce company dedicated to Black women and inspires a global audience of more than 17 million through diverse storytelling and immersive original content. With a multi-platform presence in publishing, experiential and online, ESSENCE encompasses its signature magazine; digital, video and social platforms; television specials; books; as well as live events, including Black Women in Music, Black Women in Hollywood, Street Style and the ESSENCE Festival. Essence Communications is owned by Essence Ventures, an independent Black-owned, technology-driven company focused on merging content, community, and commerce to meet the evolving cultural and lifestyle needs of people of color.

ESSENCE ESTABLISHES “THE PIPELINE: AN ECONOMIC INCLUSION INITIATIVE” TO GROW ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND TECHNICAL CAREER OPPORTUNITIES IN LOUISIANA

ESSENCE, the number one media, technology and commerce company dedicated to Black women with a global brand reach of over 17 million, will partner with the City of New Orleans and the Urban League of Louisiana to launch The Pipeline: An Economic Inclusion Initiative.

The Pipeline is designed to increase the pool of Louisiana-based women and Black professionals pursuing careers and business opportunities in live events and technical production. This initiative will also create opportunities to connect existing production entrepreneurs to service contracts in the industry at both the corporate and governmental levels and give them access to networking, capital raising and opportunities for training and skills development. It will also include an internship program for youth who aspire for careers in media and live production and more.

In 2018, Essence Communications was acquired by Essence Ventures, an independent African-American owned company focused on merging content, community, and commerce to meet the evolving cultural and lifestyle needs of people of color. As the brand celebrates its one-year anniversary of becoming 100% Black-owned again, ESSENCE is furthering its commitment to enabling sustainable opportunities for economic independence, social empowerment and wealth creation for Black women and their communities.

“Our Pipeline Initiative is so meaningful because we are establishing it in direct response to a critical void that we have identified while successfully building the ESSENCE Festival and other live experiential and content platforms for 25 years – the need for more Black professionals prepared to bid on large-scale live events and technical production,” said Michelle Ebanks, CEO of Essence. “This effort speaks directly to ESSENCE’s mission of serving our audience in every way—especially by empowering them to own their economic security. It will allow us to become a conduit for Black businesses and entrepreneurs to help them source targeted opportunities in a space where we are underrepresented. We thank the City of New Orleans, the Urban League of Louisiana and each of our partners for their vision and support in this important endeavor.”

As part of ESSENCE’s partnership with the Urban League of Louisiana, the Pipeline Initiative will launch with information briefings that will target potential bidders in key Louisiana cities featuring RFP training and more. The sessions will be held in New Orleans (February 5th), Baton Rouge (February 6th), Shreveport (February 7th) and Monroe (February 8th). To register or for more information, visit Essence.com/Festival/Pipeline.

In addition to the City of New Orleans and the Urban League of Louisiana, the Pipeline Initiative will partner with several other key community and business organizations, including New Orleans Video Access Center (NOVAC), Louisiana Economic Development (LED) and the New Voices Fund. In 2020 and beyond, the Pipeline initiative will also partner with Louisiana academic institutions to launch the Essence Live Production Academy. The Academy will feature a collection of e-training and live training modules for small businesses and will be instructed by leading industry professionals with a focus on key areas of technical production – audio, lighting, staging and live event management. 

“I am very excited about the collaboration between ESSENCE, The Louisiana Urban League, and the City of New Orleans for The Pipeline economic initiative,” said Mayor LaToya Cantrell. “It’s a great way to create opportunities for talented women and Black professionals in the live events and production fields. With New Orleans being a hub for live events, we are being intentional about bridging the gap between opportunity and those who may have not had previous access to those opportunities.”

“We are grateful to partner with ESSENCE and the City of New Orleans to support The Pipeline,” said Judy Reese Morse, President, and CEO of the Urban League of Louisiana. “Our mission speaks directly to the power and importance of economic self-reliance for those we serve. This innovative collaboration brings the business, non-profit and government sectors together to deliver access and capacity building for small business entrepreneurs to grow and compete. The Pipeline is adding seats to the table, and our small business owners will be ready to join in and participate.”

 

About Essence Communications Inc. 

Essence Communications is the number one media, technology and commerce company dedicated to Black women and inspires a global audience of more than 17 million through diverse storytelling and immersive original content. With a multi-platform presence in publishing, experiential and online, ESSENCE encompasses its signature magazine; digital, video and social platforms; television specials; books; as well as live events, including Black Women in Music, Black Women in Hollywood, Street Style and the ESSENCE Festival. Essence Communications is owned by Essence Ventures, an independent Black-owned, technology-driven company focused on merging content, community, and commerce to

DAVID ALAN GRIER TALKS TO ESSENCE’S YES, GIRL! PODCAST CREW

In this week’s edition of ESSENCE’s Yes, Girl! podcastCool Kids star David Alan Grier chatted with the gang and talked about everything from his mission as an actor, fatherhood, how the entertainment industry has changed since the days of his hit movie, Boomerang.

Key quotes from this week’s episode are below. For the full Yes, Girl! Podcast interview, click here.

On his mission as an Actor:

“Having range – that’s the way I’ve tried to live my life. I would much rather audition for something than leave it up to someone else to say, ‘I didn’t picture you as that.’ And also, sometimes you need those outside eyes that see something in you that you don’t see in yourself …. something that is greater than your own vision.”

On how comedy has changed since the ‘90s and early 2000’s:

“I remember working with Daman Wayans and we used to make certain jokes … there were so many things that we could do then that we can’t do now… if we did [do it now] it would have to be attacked from a different point of view…”

MICHELLE OBAMA GRACES ESSENCE MAGAZINE DECEMBER/JANUARY COVER

Michelle Obama: Having Her Say

When “Forever First Lady” Michelle Obama opened up to ESSENCE for its upcoming December/January cover story…she definitely went there! After keeping a relatively low profile since leaving the White House, the Becoming author is stepping back into the spotlight to share her extraordinary journey. Looking stunning in a natural hairstyle for the first time, she talks to ESSENCE about her days in the White House, how to find your own Barack—and what’s next for her. *Key quotes are below. ESSENCE’s upcoming December/January issue hits newsstands on 11/23. For more on “Having Her Say,” visit ESSENCE.com. (Photo, Miller Mobley)

QUOTES:

  • ON HOW TO FIND YOUR OWN BARACK: “I think a lot of people don’t have a clear idea of what they should look for in a mate—and for a long time, I didn’t either…What drew me to Barack was that when I met him, he was already a fully formed individual. From our very first conversations, he showed me that he wasn’t afraid to express his fears and doubts, or that he might not have all the answers. He could handle someone with her own passions and goals, someone who had ideas of her own. He relished it, in fact. I liked that…”

  • ON HER HAPPIEST DAYS IN THE WHITE HOUSE: “Any day that I got to spend time with children was a good day. Sometimes if I was need of a pick-me-up, my staff would schedule an event with young people to give me a boost. Kids give me energy. They get me out of my own head and remind me about the things that are most important…”

  • HER ADVICE TO WOMEN ON BALANCING IT ALL: “When I was raising young children, I learned to lean on a group of my friends in Chicago, women who, like me, had jobs and partners and children who kept them moving every minute. We’d help one another in very concrete ways, like picking up each other’s kids for dance lessons or a birthday party or anything else that came up…Of course, we leaned on our husbands as well…But for me, there was something special—something vital, even—about sharing this experience with other women who were going through the same kinds of stresses and challenges that I was…”

  • ON WHAT’S NEXT FOR HER: “Since we left the White House, I’ve spent most of my time focusing on finishing this book. The book tour will keep me busy for a while, and then I’ll take some time to evaluate what’s next. I’m in no hurry. What I know is that public service is in my DNA, so I’m planning to find ways to keep being useful…I see myself always staying involved in efforts like that…”

ESSENCE ANNOUNCES THE LAUNCH OF NEW INITIATIVE TO INSPIRE FUTURE BLACK WOMEN LEADERS: “ESSENCE GIRLS UNITED”

ESSENCE, the leading media, technology, and commerce company serving Black women, debuts ESSENCE Girls United. This impactful new initiative is designed to inspire young Black women through a year-long mentorship program, as well as an interactive digital/social content hub that will convey the core principles of leadership and self-love.

ESSENCE Girls United demonstrates the iconic brand’s mission to serve its multigenerational audience globally as a 100% Black-owned company across its platforms through content, culture, and community—especially the millennials who comprise of 26% of its core. With its focus on mentoring young girls, this multi-platform program will feature year-round video, digital and social content that will focus on core pillars, including: “Owning Your Power,” “Presenting with Confidence,” “Developing Brand You,” “Finding Your Voice,” “Making a Difference In Your Community,” “Life Skills 101,” and “Self-Love.” The initiative will also feature workshops and conversations with thought leaders, a social network directory for girls to interact with each other, a mentorship program, a leadership development “toolkit,” events such as the upcoming ESSENCE Girls United Summit and much more.

ESSENCE Girls United will allow us to even further demonstrate the brand’s commitment to inspire Black women by engaging this vital audience,” said Moana Luu, ESSENCE Chief Content and Chief Creative Officer. “With year-round content across all of our digital and social platforms, ESSENCE will be a great resource for our girls in the areas of leadership, confidence, and self-love.”

As part of the initiative, ESSENCE and Ulta Beauty will join forces to co-produce ESSENCE Girls United: Beautiful Possibilities. This exciting six-part web series will use digital and social content to create a deeper connection with young Black women. The web series will include a search to discover six young women who will then embark on a journey to discover their personal potential and elevate their entrepreneurial spirit all within the beauty industry. Each young woman will have a chance to participate in an opportunity of a lifetime, including helping to create a limited-time collection for Ulta Beauty; mentorship by ESSENCE and Ulta Beauty brand leaders and more. ESSENCE Girls United: Beautiful Possibilities is open nationally to girls ages 16-19.

For more on ESSENCE, Girls United visit ESSENCE.com/GirlsUnited, pick up the November issue of ESSENCE or join the conversation on social @Essence #ESSENCEGirlsUnited.

ESSENCE.COM EXCLUSIVE: KANDI BURRUSS DENIES PREGNANCY RUMORS

Real Housewives of Atlanta star Kandi Burruss is busy! After recently wrapping up filming scenes for the reality show–along with opening two new restaurant locations, developing a cosmetics line and more–the 42-year old songwriter and mother of two are trying to have another baby with husband Todd Tucker. But as she admits to ESSENCE, the road hasn’t been easy.

“We’re definitely trying to figure out ways to grow our family,” she revealed. “I know a lot of people thought that meant that I was pregnant. But I’m not pregnant. Let’s be clear. I saw that floating around the internet…”

“Unfortunately, it’s not happening…” she said of conceiving a baby. Burruss also shared that fans will see her struggle with fertility on the upcoming season of Real Housewives“So obviously we’re just going to be talking about what that means for our family…”

For more on this ESSENCE.com exclusive, see below:

https://www.essence.com/celebrity/kandi-burruss-denies-pregnancy-rumors

TESSA THOMPSON GRACES ESSENCE MAGAZINE NOVEMBER COVER

“In playing these lov­ers who really keep each other honest, we’ve developed a friendship where we can speak very, very candidly to each other. There’s a lot of trust between us. When you have that kind of trust with another actor, you can push further and do things that surprise you because you feel like you’re supported…” –Tessa Thompson talks to ESSENCE about working with her Creed IIco-star Michael B. Jordan

ESSENCE COVER STORY: TESSA THOMPSON

Actress Tessa Thompson has gone from Hollywood’s best-kept secret to widely sought-after it girl. From heading across the pond to film a Men in Black spin-off with actor Chris Hemsworth (where ESSENCE caught up with her), to reprising her role as Bianca in the upcoming Creed II—she’s on everyone’s radar. Looking stunning in ESSENCE’s upcoming November spread (shot in Columbia Road in London), she talks about everything from working with co-star Michael B. Jordan to pushing boundaries when it comes to her artistry. “Obviously, I like the idea of expanding perceptions of what a woman can be and what a woman of color can be,” Thompson tells ESSENCE Entertainment Director Cori Murray in the cover story, London Calling. “I like to introduce new spaces…” ESSENCE’s November issue will be on newsstands October 26th. Attached is the cover—for more on the upcoming issue, visit ESSENCE.com

KELIS TALKS FAME, SELF-CARE AND BEAUTY IN ESSENCE’S GLOBAL BEAUTY ISSUE

Since the moment she arrived on the scene, Kelis has done things her own way. A beauty chameleon and genre-bending musical talent, the singer has always been in a league of her own.

Now, she graces the cover of ESSENCE’s Global Beauty Issue where she gets candid about taking a break from the spotlight and working at her own pace. “One of the biggest things I reiterate is self-care,” the singer told ESSENCE.

Kelis talks fame and so much more in ESSENCE’s October Global Beauty Issue, on newsstands this Friday, September 21

Essence Magazine October 2018 Cover Story featuring Kelis
Photographer: Adrienne Raquel

ESSENCE CAMPAIGN ANNOUNCED ON THE HEELS OF THE ICONIC BASKETBALL PLAYER’S REVEAL OF HIS LATEST COLLABORATION WITH DESIGNERS FROM HARLEM FASHION ROW

ESSENCE, the leading media, technology, and commerce company serving Black women, today will launch The Strongest—a captivating new social media campaign highlighting sixteen Black women who exemplify strength to NBA star LeBron James. The announcement comes fresh off the heels of the sports icon’s exclusive reveal of his latest Nike signature shoe collaboration—designed by three African-American women—during Harlem Fashion Row’s (HFR) annual gala last night, where he was honored with the HFR Icon Award.

Featured Photo from Essence

In The Strongest, viewers will be moved by stunning images of these sixteen women who inspire us all through their various roles as activists, trendsetters, family, athletes, business leaders, journalists, content creators, and entertainers.  The list of names includes James’ wife Savannah James; his mother Gloria James; tennis icon Serena Williams; Emmy-award winning writer/actress Lena Waithe; Olympian Simone Biles; TV commentator Cari Champion; Marketing Executive Bozoma Saint John; his Nike shoe collaborators, designers Fe Noel, Kimberly Goldson and Undra Celeste; and many more. In bringing these stories to life, James’ goal is to encourage a celebration focused on women of color from a place of positivity.

James, who is known for using his popular platform to empower those making a positive impact in their communities, felt it was important to bring in previously unheard voices as he embarked on this journey to reveal his definition of strength to the world. Showcasing everyone from celebrity to CEO, he enabled and empowered women of color to be a part of this movement in front of the camera and behind the scenes.

For more exclusive photos, footage and a full list of The Strongest, please visit ESSENCE.com and join the conversation @ESSENCE via Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

About Essence Communications Inc.
Essence Communications is the number one media company dedicated to Black women and inspires a global audience of more than 15 million through diverse storytelling and immersive original content.  With a multi-platform presence in publishing, experiential and online, ESSENCE encompasses its signature magazine; digital, video and social platforms; television specials; books; as well as live events, including Black Women in MusicBlack Women in HollywoodStreet Style and the ESSENCE Festival.  Essence Communications is owned by Essence Ventures, an independent African-American owned company focused on merging content, community, and commerce to meet the evolving cultural and lifestyle needs of women of color.