A traditional showcase of Black culture held every year through the ESSENCE Festival is back on June 25-28 and July 2-5, bringing two back-to-back weekends celebrating Black-owned businesses, entrepreneurs, musical artists, and many performances to online audiences. Due to COVID-19, the sprawling event has restructured itself into a digital event. 

ESSENCE Festival is known for bringing the New Orleans area empowerment through Black culture. Also, entertainment presented by the event is some of the best R&B, funk, hip hop, soul, and gospel. This year, the event is presented by Coca-Cola and provides an all-free virtual experience called “Unstoppable.”

Some of the 2020 ESSENCE music lineup features Bruno Mars, Doug E. Fresh, John Legend, PJ Morton, Patti LaBelle, Nas, Big Freedia, and so much more. However, that is not all. Along with panels and workshop experiences, ESSENCE will showcase Hollywood favorites in Q&As and give exclusive sneak peeks of upcoming releases.

A two-week Beauty Carnival with top brand makeup artists like Naomi Campbell, Lori Harvey, and Teyonah Parris will share tips on achieving flawless beauty on Friday, June 26 and Friday, July 3. Wealth and Power Saturday, June 27, and Saturday, July 4, give tools to invest and strive in personal finance, career, and entrepreneurship. Plus, there will be discussions about issues that matter and why voting counts. 

On Sunday, June 28 and Sunday, July 5, “Get Lifted Gospel Sunday Celebration” will feature words and  praise from Bishop TD Jakes, Devon Franklin, Bishop Paul Morton, Kirk Franklin, Kierra Sheard, Marvin Sapp, Jonathan McReynolds, Koryn Hawthorne, and more. 

There will be other events, including the Wellness House and the Evening Concerts hosted by Loni Love and music by D-Nice. 

For more information, click here to visit the official website for ESSENCE Fest.