Essence magazine is honoring New Orleans with “A Love Letter To New Orleans” in its upcoming July/August edition, available on newsstands June 25 or online now. This issue marks the 30th anniversary of the Essence Festival of Culture, which returns to New Orleans July 4-7.
The issue features four distinct covers showcasing Black Masking Indians and Baby Dolls, photographed by New Orleans native, Edward Buckles Jr. and a feature story written by Stevona Elem-Rogers.
Buckles is the filmmaker behind the critically acclaimed documentary “Katrina Babies” that chronicled the experiences of children who survived Hurricane Katrina. The film not only highlighted the often-overlooked narratives of young survivors but also earned Buckles widespread recognition for his empathetic storytelling and raw, unfiltered perspective.
Elem-Rogers, is a celebrated writer and educator based in New Orleans, known for her powerful storytelling and deep commitment to highlighting Black culture and resilience. She is known for exploring themes of identity, heritage and community.
The feature is a touching tribute to New Orleans.
Essence fest is facing a wave of recent controversy. What has traditionally been a celebration of Black culture, music, and empowerment is now under scrutiny for issues ranging from local economic impact to concerns about inclusivity and community representation.
While this “Party With A Purpose” brings millions of dollars into the city, some local business owners are concerned that large corporate sponsors and national vendors dominate the event, leaving local businesses struggling to compete. Some community members feel they could do a better job of representing the diversity within the Black community and to include more people from varied perspectives and demographics. Concerns about the festival’s infrastructure and environmental impact on the city have also surfaced. Additional issues such as environmental impact, waste, traffic, noise, safety and strains on local resources have led to calls from locals for better planning
Festival organizers have responded to complaints and expressed a willingness to help address these issues.
Established in 1970, Essence Magazine has significantly influenced the cultural landscape by showcasing the beauty, fashion and unique experiences of African American women. Complementing the magazine’s mission, the Essence Festival of Culture was launched 30 years ago in New Orleans to celebrate Black culture with live music performances, empowering discussions and community-focused workshops. You can learn more about the 2024 festival here.
You can read “A Love Letter To New Orleans” here.
