Tag: Essence Festival

Atlanta /

Talia Oliver Announces Special Event In NOLA During Essence Festival Weekend

Atlanta entrepreneur Talia Oliver will be bringing big names to New Orleans during the Essence Festival weekend, for a party with a purpose about emotional intelligence and mental health issues. The headlining event, titled “The Essence of Emotional Intelligence: Demonstrating How To Foster Healthy Friendships, Romantic Relationships and Business Partnerships”, will be held on Friday, July 5th at the historic Carver Theater in New Orleans. Two amazing ladies — Randi Rossario Maples and Tamisha Monet — will be joining Talia in a panel discussion about the importance of having emotional intelligence, while building various relationships in this digital age we are living in.

Randi Rossario is a media mogul, author, life and empowerment coach, and the owner of Oh So Radio, an internet/app based radio station based in Metro-Detroit. She uses her platform to help others on a daily basis, delivering encouragement and wisdom through her morning videos. Randi currently has a combined social media following of over 250 thousand people, with a weekly reach of over 5 million accounts per week.

Tamisha Monet is a certified life coach, having received her certification from the reputable Tony Gaskins Life Coaching Academy. She has a plethora of spiritual gifts that she accesses regularly through her work as a certified Astrologer and Master Reiki Practitioner.

Other guest speakers will include Atlanta entrepreneur Christopher Williams, who recently became the youngest black franchise owner will be telling his story about how he raised over $250,000 and went from homeless to franchise owner in just a year. Atlanta entrepreneur Taylor Deathridge, owner of the only one-stop-shop beauty loft in ATL will be interviewed live about having it all; the dream career, the fairytale love story while balancing a huge life-changing struggle.

Talia will be partnering with A Bella La Femme Society to give away three scholarships to three very lucky attendees. A Bella LaFemme Society is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Baton Rouge, Louisiana that provides collegiate minority women with scholarships to promote mental wellness. The mental wellness scholarships may be utilized at the desire of the recipients. ABLS is also committed to serving the community across the state of Louisiana by providing free self-defense and gun safety courses, Heels & Steels ®. The courses are structured to empower, alleviate hardships, and to build resourceful sisterhoods in their communities.

Not only will this event be filled with food for thought, but a lot of delicious food will also be prepared and served by Chef Sell (@SellsCajunCooking on Instagram). His mouthwatering Cajun chicken and seafood alfredo have been nominated for Best Pasta in Atlanta by Terrapin Brewery.

 

Please join us Fri. Jul. 5th, 2019 at 3 P.M. at the Carver Theater (2101 Orleans Avenue, New Orleans, LA) for an afternoon of good discussion, good company, and a great time.

About Talia Oliver 

Having served as one of the original writers at The Shade Room and a contributor for The Singers Room, Talia went on to create the burgeoning media platform “The Closet Ratchet” which has become the voice of the intellectual and spiritual yet “closeted” ratchet people who utilize social media. In addition, Talia is a published author, a small business owner and an inspirational speaker to young mothers and entrepreneurs. For more information, contact Talia Oliver at (470)292-1811 or taliaoliver716@gmail.com

Uncategorized /

THE 25TH ANNIVERSARY ESSENCE FESTIVAL SIZZLES INTO THE EVENING WITH NEW ESSENCE AFTER DARK LINEUP

WHAT: The 2019 ESSENCE Festival® presented by Coca-Cola, the world’s largest cultural, entertainment and empowerment experience and the largest celebration of global Black culture, will keep the party going into the evening—announcing its official ESSENCE After Dark lineup. Festival-goers will be able to enjoy a culmination of late-night jam sessions, live podcasts and underground performances from Hip-Hop and Bounce to Reggae and Afrobeats – from July 4th-7th following the nightly concerts. Tickets on sale now at https://www.essence.com/festival/!

 

WHO: Initial performers taking over the late-night scene during ESSENCE After Dark includes an exciting mashup of emerging and established musicians, DJ’s and personalities who represent our diverse, global culture.

**More to be announced soon, including new Comedy experiences.

Thursday, July 4th:

Women in Hip-Hop presented by MC Lyte

Featuring: Yo-Yo, Rapsody, Trina, MuMu Fresh, Music by DJ K Rock and DJ Jermaine

Time: 10PM – 2AM

Location: Republic Nola, 828 S Peters St, New Orleans, LA 70130

 

Friday, July 5th:

Reggae X Afrobeats presented by Estelle

Featuring: Spice, Rotimi, Machel Montano, Wale,  Kranium, Rafiya, Nick & Navi, Music by DJ Max Glazer and DJ Shacia Marley

Time: 10PM – 2AM

Location: Republic Nola, 828 S Peters St, New Orleans, LA 70130

 

The Come Up

Featuring: Danileigh, Nicole Bus, Angelica Vila, Bri Steves, Music by DJ M.O.S.

Time: 10PM- 2 AM

Location: Howlin’ Wolf, 907 S Peters St, New Orleans, LA 70130

 

Saturday, July 6th:

Teddy’s Jam

Featuring Guy and Blackstreet, Music by DJ M.O.S.

Time: 10PM – 2 AM

Location: Republic Nola, 828 S Peters St, New Orleans, LA 70130

 

ESSENCE Underground: The Femme Fatales

Featuring: Young Devyn, Dreezy, Young M.A., Music by DJ Niena Drake

Time: 10PM- 2 AM

Location: Howlin’ Wolf, 907 S Peters St, New Orleans, LA 70130

Jesus and Jollof Live with Luvvie Ajayi and Yvonne Orji, Music by DJ Niena Drake

Time: Doors at 5:30 PM // Showtime 6:30 PM

Location: Orpheum Theater, 129 Roosevelt Way, New Orleans, LA 70112

 

Sunday, July 7th:

Beats & Bounce

Featuring: Big Freedia, Soul Rebels and More, Music by Mannie Fresh and DJ Niena Drake

Time: 10PM – 2 AM

Location: Republic Nola, 828 S Peters St, New Orleans, LA 70130

The Underground Lituation

Featuring: Shawn Smith, Oswin Benjamin, Christian “King” Combs, August Alsina, Music by DJ M.O.S.

Time: 10PM- 2 AM

Location: Howlin’ Wolf, 907 S Peters St, New Orleans, LA 70130

                                                                                                                                                               

NOTES: In addition, the 2019 ESSENCE Festival® will feature over 80 performing artists for its nightly concert series, plus a daily line-up of diverse, can’t-miss enrichment and entertainment programming, including the ESSENCE Beauty Carnival, ESSENCE Fashion House, ESSENCE Wellness House, Film and Television Festival, and Global Black Economic Forum, among others. Register now for the many free ESSENCE Festival experiences at https://www.essence.com/festival/.

Sponsors for the 25th Anniversary ESSENCE Festival are Coca-Cola, AT&T, McDonald’s, Ford, State Farm, and Walmart.

Celebrity /

25th Essence Festival: Daytime Experience Culminates With All-Star Gospel Celebration

WHAT: The 2019 ESSENCE Festival® presented by Coca-Cola, the world’s largest cultural, entertainment and empowerment experience and the largest celebration of global Black culture, convenes top world leaders, influencers and creators for its newly reimagined ESSENCE Power Stage. Free and open to the public, the Essence Power Stage will feature conversations and keynote addresses with influencers and artists – plus a culminating all-star Gospel celebration with performances celebrating 25 years of Black women in Gospel music.

 

The ESSENCE Power Stage will allow audiences to take in a range of empowering conversations with today’s most influential voices, tackling key issues around politics, love, and family, activism, wealth and more. For a full lineup of this year’s daytime speakers and artists, visit essence.com/festival.

WHO: Initial participants hitting the ESSENCE Power Stage are some of the most influential and legendary voices and performers, who represent our culture and community.

**More participants to be announced.

ESSENCE Power Stage:                                                         

Congresswoman Ilhan Omar                                   

Dr. Jess                                                                             

Erika Alexander                                                                                                                 

Jemele Hill

Mayor of Flint, Karen Weaver

Mayor of Atlanta, Keisha Lance Bottoms

Mayor of New Orleans, LaToya Cantrell

 

Mayor of Rochester, Lovey Warren

Mayor of Baton Rouge, Sharon Weston Broome

Marvet Brito

 

MC Lyte

Pharrell Williams

Reverend Al Sharpton

 

Teddy Riley

Terry Crews       

 

All-Star Gospel Celebration:

Donnie McClurkin

Mary Mary

Tasha Cobbs Leonard                                         

Yolanda Adams

                                                                                                                                         

WHERE: Ernest N. Morial Convention Center

WHEN:  July 5 – 7, 2019

 

NOTES: In addition, the 2019 ESSENCE Festival® will feature over 80 performing artists, plus a daily line-up of diverse, can’t-miss enrichment and entertainment programming, Including the Essence Beauty Carnival, Essence Fashion House, Essence Wellness House, Film and Television Festival, and Global Black Economic Forum, among others. Register now for the many free ESSENCE Festival experiences at https://www.essence.com/festival/.

Sponsors for the 25th Anniversary ESSENCE Festival are Coca-Cola, AT&T, McDonald’s, Ford, State Farm, and Walmart.

Beauty /

2019 ESSENCE FESTIVAL TRANSFORMS INTO PLATFORM ADVANCING GLOBAL BLACK CULTURE, ECONOMIC OWNERSHIP & INCLUSION

The ESSENCE Festival® presented by Coca-Cola, the world’s largest cultural, entertainment and empowerment experience, is marking its 25th anniversary July 4-7, 2019 in New Orleans, LA.  The Festival, the only experience of its kind, is also the largest celebration of global Black culture and continues to reach new heights with a focus on economic inclusion, cultural ownership, and community development. Now attracting more than 500,000 attendees each weekend, the ESSENCE Festival surpasses every national music, entertainment, and cultural festival based on average daily attendance and is planning its most extensive programming to date.

With a daily line-up of diverse, can’t-miss enrichment and entertainment programming, the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center will be a safe space where hundreds of thousands of multigenerational attendees gather to be informed, inspired and empowered.  Offering new and elevated experiences, each activation will serve the unmet needs of Black women across the globe and bring the pages of the magazine and online content to life as never before across arts, entertainment, music, beauty, fashion, technology, film, food, wellness, advocacy, entrepreneurship, and economic empowerment.

“For 25 years, the ESSENCE Festival has embodied the power and purpose of our culture – bringing a total of more than $4 billion in economic impact to the City of New Orleans and state of Louisiana and most importantly, serving as a sacred ground for millions of Black women to engage each other in community, sisterhood, service, family, love, laughter, joy, hope, and empowerment,” said Michelle Ebanks, CEO of ESSENCE Communications.  “Today, the Festival is a full celebration of that culture – what we have achieved, how we honor each other, and where we’re going from here. For us, as a 100% Black-owned company, that includes building from the Festival’s foundation of music, entertainment, and empowerment to also now reclaiming our economics and facilitating more opportunities for ownership of and in the culture that we create, innovate and evolve.”

Ebanks continued, “ESSENCE is home, and we know that home is where the heart is.  It is where we go to be restored and sustained.  No matter where we travel in the world, there’s no place like it.  So, the ESSENCE Festival is also a much-anticipated homecoming for Black artists to be uplifted and replenished, for our brightest minds to convene around solutions to critical issues impacting our communities, and for our most creative, bold and passionate selves to be celebrated and renewed. ESSENCE is that place, and today we say “Welcome home.”

In addition to an epic ‘homecoming’ musical line-up of more than 80 performers at the Louisiana Superdome – including Mary J. Blige, Nas, Missy Elliott, H.E.R., Big Freedia, Davido, Frankie Beverly, Jermaine Dupri, MC Lyte, Pharrell Williams, Ronnie, Bobby, Ricky & Mike (RBRM), Sheila E., Teddy Riley, Teyana Taylor, Timbaland, and more – a 25th anniversary celebration of 1994’s most culturally impactful and transformative albums that redefined pop culture will be curated and performed by the original artists.  These include Mary J. Blige’s My Life, Nas’ Illmatic, Brandy’s Brandy, Method Man’s Tical, Scarface’sDiary, Big Daddy Kane’s Daddy’s Home, Da Brat’s Funkdafied, Slick Rick’s Behind Bars and Brownstone’s From the Bottom Up.

The 25th Anniversary ESSENCE Festival will also span more than 10 venues across New Orleans and encompass several new and enhanced curated experiences, including (**indicates new for 2019):

 

**Global Black Economic Forum – Attendees connect with today’s most seasoned corporate moguls and inspiring entrepreneurs, focused on building economic empowerment and generational wealth, featuring the Black CEO Roundtable, The Billionaire’s Forum, Entrepreneur’s Summit, relationship-building opportunities, and more.

**Fashion House – With ongoing accusations of cultural appropriation and tone-deafness in news and social headlines around the world, many major and luxury fashion brands continue to face issues around their appreciation, understanding, and representation of people of color globally. In addition, the increasing awareness that free promotion from cultural giants in the Black community bestow a lucrative cultural significance to these brands, but with little economic inclusion, and as Black creatives struggle to create and maintain significant business, this conundrum presents the challenge of how do we exercise our creative and economic influence for the benefit of our community.  Focused on elevating the Black fashion community as well as the fashion experience for Black consumers, the Fashion House will provide the necessary tools for Black-owned brands to be successful and opportunities for major fashion brands to provide support, capital and partnerships for Black designers and consumers, as well as curate and showcase Black-owned brands via a shoppable designer trunk show and online Fashion House collaborations.

**Wellness House – The declining state of health and wellness in the Black community mandates that we do more – in more places, with more people – to educate and activate Black women and families around what it means to truly live well physically, mentally and emotionally.  At the Wellness House, attendees will engage in an enlightening and inspiring environment focused on self-care, including educational and motivational conversations with some of today’s leading health and wellness experts; an array of fitness and wellness activities and programming; cooking and nutrition classes; wholesome and delicious food and more with nationally-renown speakers, instructors, trainers, chefs, and special guests.

 

**ESSENCE Black Excellence Awards

The ESSENCE Black Excellence Awards will embrace the triumph of everyday leaders in our communities; honoring trailblazers across disciplines including the Arts, Education, Entrepreneurship, Fashion, Film, Food, Music, Social Justice, Sports, Technology, Wellness and more. This elegant celebration of local and global heroes will also spotlight the impact of corporations, government and Black-owned businesses working collectively for the advancement of all.

 

**ESSENCE Food & Wine Festival – Foodies indulge in a wide range of mouthwatering selections at ESSENCE’s official culinary experience, featuring ‘ESSENCE Eats’ pop-ups at multiple locations throughout New Orleans.

ESSENCE Music Festival – The Festival’s 3-night, evening concert series will present more than 80 of the world’s greatest artists and performers across five stages, featuring artist-led curations, tribute moments and one-of-a-kind, only-at-ESSENCE collaborations, as well as a new intimate venue series called After Dark.

Beauty Carnival – Beauty enthusiasts pamper themselves in an immersive beauty experience designed to meet their individual needs. From live tutorials to curated shopping destinations, beauty fans explore a vivid spectacle of global beauty.

ESSENCE Film & TV Festival – Fans’ all-access to exclusive previews and screenings, appearances and meet & greets with the industry’s most popular casts and performers, featuring the Screening Room, Center Stage, and Fan Zone.

Power Stage – Audiences take in a range of empowering conversations with today’s most influential voices, tackling key issues around politics, love, and family, activism, wealth and more.

E-Suite – With a membership pass, subscribers access an exclusive suite for entrepreneurs and senior-level women in business. From panel conversations to recruitment opportunities with our partners, E-Suite is the Festival’s top destination for executives and entrepreneurs.

ESSENCE Marketplace – With participation from nearly 300 entrepreneurs, the ESSENCE Marketplace will offer a specially curated, daily retail experience across multiple destinations throughout New Orleans during the four-day weekend. Attendees will indulge in bespoke culinary, craft and retail shopping environments that present unique, culturally diverse and authentic offerings from around the world.

Day of Service/Girls United – The 2019 annual “Day of Service” – community reinvestment via projects around New Orleans focused on rehabilitation, beautification, and inspiration – will focus on ESSENCE Girls United, ESSENCE’s Gen Z platform and the mentoring initiative focused on helping this generation increase their academic potential, self-love and leadership skills. The day will culminate with ESSENCE Day in the Park – a community celebration at Louis Armstrong Park with music, food, and local vendors.

Weekend and single-night ticket packages for the evening Music Festival concert series are on sale now. For the first time ever, ESSENCE is introducing the 2019 Weekend VIP Power Pass, which provides access to a premium experience at all of the Festival’s ticketed events throughout the weekend, including the evening Music Festival, Fashion House, Beauty Carnival, ESSENCE Day in the Park, Wellness House and Power Stage, among other experiences to be announced.

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.

Sponsors for the 25th-anniversary ESSENCE Festival® include Coca-Cola, AT&T, Ford, McDonald’s, State Farm and Walmart.  The ESSENCE Festival is produced by ESSENCE Communications Inc.

 

Beauty /

ESSENCE 25th Anniversary Festival Night-by-Night Performance Line Up Unveiled

The ESSENCE Festival® presented by Coca-Cola, the world’s largest cultural, entertainment and empowerment experience and largest celebration of global Black culture, is set to bring the 90’s heat with special performances that celebrate the 25th anniversary of some of the top albums of the decade.  The Festival also just announced the official night-by-night performance line up for its concert series taking place July 5th, 6thand 7th at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans.

With hits that remain timeless, the 90’s era of R&B and hip-hop music significantly impacted our global culture – setting musical trends and a standard of excellence that made space for artists to thrive as creators, visionaries, and entrepreneurs.  By spotlighting some of the era’s most forward-looking, game-changing albums that are also celebrating their 25th anniversaries, the celebration will reach beyond nostalgia to the new school—with special performances to elevate the groundbreaking sounds that continue to influence the most popular, chart-topping artists of today.

“We are celebrating our 25th anniversary with an extraordinary, multigenerational, cultural celebration featuring nearly 100 Black artists who know that the ESSENCE Festival is ‘home,’” said Michelle Ebanks, CEO of ESSENCE Communications.  “Through an imaginative slate of 25th anniversary curations and a fresh take on our night-by-night line-up, this year’s milestone Festival will creatively represent some of our culture’s most important and influential bodies of work – past, present and future. We are excited to place the spotlight on the music that captivated and inspired our global communities—all re-imagined exclusively for the ‘only-at-ESSENCE’ Festival stages.”

Each “25th” set will be curated and performed by the original artists, including Mary J. Blige’s My Life, Nas’ Illmatic, Brandy’s Brandy, Scarface’s Diary, Big Daddy Kane’s Daddy’s Home,

Da Brat’s Funkdafied, Slick Rick’s Behind Bars and Brownstone’s From the Bottom Up.

  • Kicking off Friday night are marquee performances from some of music’s biggest acts including Missy Elliott, RBRM (Ronnie, Bobby, Ricky, Mike) and more; opening night will also include a 25th anniversary set presented by Doug E. Fresh that will feature Brandy, Ledisi, and Sheila E., MC Lyte, Morris Day, Former Members of New Power Generation, among others.
  • Saturday night is anchored by Mary J. Blige, Nas, H.E.R. and more, with 25th anniversary celebrations by some of the most influential names in hip-hop, including Big Daddy Kane, Scarface, Slick Rick and more.
  • Closing night on Sunday will feature a performance by Maze featuring Frankie Beverly with a special tribute to Frankie Beverly delivered by Anthony Hamilton; Jermaine Dupri’s Atlanta-focused curation with performances by Musiq Soulchild, Da Brat, Lil Jon and Dem Franchize Boyz; Teddy Riley’s Legends of Music curation that includes Pharrell Williams, Timbaland, Teyana Taylor, MAJOR., Ro James and more; as well as a NOLA-style bounce performance with Mannie Fresh and Big Freedia.
  • Each night will be hosted by Loni Love and will feature music by DJ D-Nice.

The ESSENCE Festival takes place July 4-7, 2019 in New Orleans, LA. You can view the official night-by-night line up here.   Single night ticket is on sale now.

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.

The ESSENCE Festival is sponsored by Coca-Cola, AT&T, Ford, State Farm and Walmart.

The ESSENCE Festival is produced by ESSENCE Communications, Inc. FOR MEDIA INQUIRIES: Please e-mail festivalpress@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.

Beauty /

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.

Entertainment /

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

Beauty /

ESSENCE BEAUTY CARNIVAL HITS THE ROAD IN 2019 #EssenceCarnival

The ESSENCE® Beauty Carnival ™, recognized as the world’s largest beauty experience for Black women, is hitting the road in 2019—newly reimagined as an expanded, multi-city tour.  Tickets are on-sale now for this epic celebration of Black beauty—convening a community of enthusiasts, experts, and influencers at New York City’s Pier 36 on April 27-28, 2019.

“As the leading global destination for Black women, ESSENCE® celebrates diverse beauty and inspires inclusivity in a way that only we can,” said ESSENCEFashion and Beauty Director Julee Wilson. “With the expansion of our Beauty Carnival, we are embracing our unique journey and curating our programming to share a very special experience with beauty aficionados from city to city.”

Inspired by the brand’s original Beauty Carnival which takes place during the annual ESSENCE Festival and attracts more than 10,000 fans per day from around the world, the tour will return to New Orleans this summer, making the 25th anniversary ESSENCE Festival its second stop.  The Beauty Carnival’s final destination will be in Texas October 2019.  Details to be announced at a later date.

Photo Image from Essence.com

The ESSENCE Beauty Carnival tour will deliver a globally inclusive and immersive experience featuring up-close access to exciting moments, such as expert tutorials, engaging conversations, exclusive interviews with today’s beauty icons, live podcasts and special guest performances.  Highlights include:

  • ESSENCE’s new museum of Black beauty, documenting key historical and cultural moments, classic products and archived video to bring to life ESSENCE storytelling around Black beauty
  • Curated “Shop ESSENCE” beauty marketplace
  • Extensive product sampling and special brand activations
  • Premier pampering services, gift bag, light bites and sips, and celebrity/influencer meet and greets for VIP level ticket-holders in our Beauty Bungalow

For more on the ESSENCE Beauty Carnival tour and to purchase tickets, visit Essence.com/BeautyCarnival. Share your experience on your social platforms using the official hashtag #EssenceCarnival.

Beauty /

Keri Hilson and My City 4 Ways Culture Festival from Essence and Ford

Over the weekend, Essence and FORD once again joined forces to bring the My City 4 Ways Culture Festival to Houston for its last stop. Ford brought the festival to White Oak Music Hall, to celebrate the city’s most notable tastemakers, innovators and leaders across music, art, lifestyle, and food. R&B star Keri Hilson celebrated the eve of her birthday with a special performance of some of her classic hits, including “Turning Me On”, “Knock Me Down” and “Pretty Girl Rock” while delicious hors-d’oeuvres circulated the gallery, prepared by One Feisty Chef and Chef James Robinson. Guests also enjoyed a Ford “Ride & Drive” experience, where consumers got the chance to test drive the latest lineup of Ford vehicles, including the Mustang, the all-new 2018 Expedition, and the F-150.

Attendees were also able to shop at the pop-up shops of art influencer Ashely Price, who did a live art installation, entrepreneur and fashion influencer Rich God who had his clothing Made By Rich God on display and for sale. Melissa Butler founder of the Lip Bar also had an interactive Lip Bar experience where she gifted guests with her lipstick. Houston’s very own Kam Franklin sang her heart out while she entertained the crowd with a special performance including a cover of Aretha Franklin’s “Do Right Women, Do Right Man”.

Top financial advisor Tiffany “Budgetnista” Aliche hosted the festival along with Tai Beauchamp. The Budgetnista announced the Ford’s Driving Her Dreams contest winner, through which Ford awarded Melissa Mitchell of Abeille Creations a two-year lease of a Ford Explorer. To win this contest, Melissa Mitchell beat out 10 other female entrepreneurs who made a pitch at ESSENCE FESTIVAL explaining why getting a Ford Explorer would help their business go further. Congrats to Melissa Mitchell for the big win!

Beauty /

2018 ESSENCE FESTIVAL® PRESENTED BY COCA-COLA ANNOUNCES RECORD-BREAKING $280 MILLION ECONOMIC IMPACT

Essence Communications, the leading media, technology, and commerce company serving Black women announced a record-breaking economic impact of $280 million for its 2018 ESSENCE Festival® presented by Coca-Cola.  Growth in Festival attendance, which reached more than 510,000, and a boost in tourism spending within the host City and State of New Orleans, Louisiana, garnered the highest fiscal input in the event’s 24-year history.  Nearing 130,000 attendees per day, the ESSENCE Festival is now also the nation’s largest entertainment and cultural event based on average daily attendance, leading events including Coachella, SXSW, New Orleans Jazz and Made in America festivals.

“As one of the world’s largest annual curated content experiences attracting an international audience of more than a half million people over the course of one weekend, the essence Festival packs a proven and powerful economic punch–and continues to reach new heights in collaboration with the State of Louisiana and City of New Orleans,” said Michelle Ebanks, CEO of Essence Communications. “Working together with our government and enterprise partners, we are pleased to report the highest-ever contribution to the growth and profitability of local businesses and services that help to create an unforgettable experience for our Festival community.”

With the 2018 summer Festival season wrapped, the 4-day Essence Festival has emerged as the leader in size and economic significance among the country’s largest live events and a top destination for tourism during Fourth of July weekend. Through attendee surveys and analysis based on event production, lodging, food & beverage, retail, gaming and transportation spend, the annual economic figure represents a substantial benefit to Louisiana and New Orleans seasonal tourism and shines a spotlight that furthers the legacy of one the nation’s most culturally rich and diverse destinations.

NEW ORLEANS, LA – JULY 06: (L-R) Angela Rye, Mary J. Blige, Maxine Waters, Alencia Johnson, Queen Latifah and Remy Ma pose onstage during the 2018 Essence Festival presented by Coca-Cola at Ernest N. Morial Convention Center on July 6, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for Essence)

“This year’s Essence Festival was a great success in terms of attendance and national exposure for New Orleans and Louisiana.  I believe many of the Essence Festival attendees will be returning to our state for years to come,” said Louisiana Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser.

“On behalf of the City of New Orleans, I am grateful for our continued partnership with the ESSENCE Festival and proud of the impact that’s been made,” said New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell. “This year’s Fest generated tremendous economic activity for the City — money that went to our large and small businesses and to the working men and women who make them run. We look forward to another historic year in 2019.”

In addition to the attendance and economic impact, the scale of talent, programming and digital engagement at the ESSENCE Festival is unmatched.  A 2018 Essence Festival by-the-numbers analysis reveals further record-breaking engagement including 100+ performing artists; 200+ influencers, leaders, creators and celebrities; 150+ Marketplace entrepreneurs; and 200+ hours of live content throughout the weekend that generated 5 billion+ media and PR impressions and reached trending status on social media, featuring 103+ million posts, shares and likes and resulting in 14+ billion social media impressions.

“On the eve of the ESSENCE Festival’s 25th anniversary, scheduled for July 4-7, 2019, this summer’s extraordinary gathering underscores the convening power of culture, as well as the continued interest and engagement of Black women globally around community and content that empowers and inspires,” said Ebanks. “We were thrilled this year to be able to introduce new entrepreneurial and business experiences such as our ESSENCE E-Suites and our ESSENCE Marche e-commerce platform. But there’s so much more. As an almost five-decade-old startup, we are excited to move forward not only as a reimagined media and content company but also as a technology and commerce company using 21st-century platforms to provide even more effective solutions to our community of women. We are continually evolving to shape our work to meet their needs with increasing depth and relevance, and this is just the beginning.”

The 2018 ESSENCE Festival was executive produced by Essence Festivals LLC, a division of Essence Communications Inc. (ECI), and produced by Solomon Group. GeChar was the executive producer of the 2018 ESSENCE Empowerment Experience.

Sponsors of the 2018 ESSENCE Festival included presenting sponsor Coca-Cola and major sponsors AT&T, Ford, McDonald’s, State Farm and Walmart.

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 African-American owned company focused on merging content, community, and commerce to meet the evolving cultural and lifestyle needs of people of color.