I attended the 25th Anniversary of the Essence Festival to celebrate Essence Magazine and it was stunning. I grew up always having Essence Magazines around me and I feel lucky to have had that imagery because representation was intentional in my household. Publications like Essence funneled hopes and dreams in me that are coming to fruition in my current career as a black journalist.
In case you don’t realize the significance of Essence Fest, because I didn’t, it is the LARGEST event celebrating African American culture and music in America.
This year’s fest was blessed with Michelle Obama as a keynote speaker among other women like Brandy, Missy Elliott. Conferences featuring Global economics, a Beauty Carnival which was my personal favorites because my favorite Youtubers Jackie Aina, and Makeup By Shayla were there. I witnessed the ‘Legends of Music’ presented by Teddy Riley.
Some of my best moments were singing along with some of my favorite artists like Major, Teyana Taylor, Pharrell Williams, Timbaland, Black Street, Coko from SWV, and Doug E. Fresh to name a few. In the coming years, I plan to make this a ritual. You really get a bang for your buck going to a weekend filled event like this.
Attending an event like this reinforced my hope in many ways. I was surrounded by so many people that looked like me and that feeling and energy is unmatched! Not to mention, I felt closer to my roots by being there since my grandmother is originally from Monroe, Louisiana. I felt so proud to be black and I was able to unapologetically bask in this glory.
Essence Fest is a life-changing experience and I encourage everyone to go to at least once in your life. Plan ahead, make sacrifices to do more things that scare the hell out of you, you’ll be amazed at what’s on the other side of that fear.
Check out my poppin’ Essence Fest Recap below:
Have you ever been to Essence Fest?
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I’m so jealous you got to go! My job didn’t tell me I’d be off Friday until the week before unfortunately
That’s awful! Yea, I almost didn’t make it myself because of job scheduling. I’m planning ahead for next year for sure!
Ok.. why was I dancing and reading. 🤣 I love the Essence Festival. It truly is a place to connect with your blackness and meet some awesome people.
LOL thank you for reading! It was the best money spent.
I love your top! I gotta get it together and make sure I attend at least once I never been to essence festival
Thank you!!! I’m planning to go every year hopefully! The best moments
After watching girls trip – I vowed to go one day. Your outfit was popping! Did you stay in heels the whole time?
Me too! LOL and Thank you!! I did NOT stay in heels the entire time. I brought some cute sandals because I knew I’d be dancing LOL
Happy to hear you enjoyed Essence Fest! I truly believe everyone should experience at least once! 😊
YESSSS! I feel I want to go again next year so I’m planning for my part 2! lol
That’s so exciting! I’ve actually never been to Essence Fest though I have always imagined going with a group of ladies like Girls Trip. It looked like you really enjoyed yourself and that shirt is popping! Pharrell looks like he’s energy would just be spewing all over the crowd I felt that through the phone. I’ll have to make it my business to attend one day for sure !
I cannot wait to go! I want to go so bad!!! I’m so glad you had a great time and got to experience this opportunity!
Thank you! It was the BEST time ever!