Janet Jackson and Frankie Beverly & Maze headline Essence Festival's finale in New Orleans

The Essence Festival of Culture in New Orleans has successfully united diverse individuals for three decades, fostering connections through dialogue, shared experiences, and music. The event featured performances by renowned artists like Janet Jackson and paid tribute to Frankie Beverly & Maze, with other notable acts including Victoria Monét, Teedra Moses, and Tank and the Bangas. Tubman-Zawolo highlighted the festival's celebration of various Black cultures within America, emphasizing the power of understanding and unity. The festival's Film Festival showcased storytellers from Nigeria, Ghana, and the Caribbean, focusing on narratives that resonate with the Black community globally. Mayor Latoya Cantrell praised this year's theme, "We Love Us," as fitting, underscoring the festival's significant economic impact on New Orleans and the state, exceeding $300 million and attracting over 500,000 visitors since 1994. Cantrell emphasized the festival's evolution in incorporating local elements, reflecting Essence's commitment to community engagement. Essence Festival's roots trace back to the magazine's 25th anniversary, evolving into a cultural phenomenon that has become synonymous with New Orleans. Despite the current contract expiring in 2026, Essence Ventures CEO Caroline Wanga affirmed the festival's enduring connection to the city, echoed by Mayor Cantrell's belief in New Orleans as its "forever home." The festival's legacy of celebrating diversity, promoting cultural exchange, and empowering Black voices continues to resonate, leaving a lasting impact on attendees who carry its spirit beyond the event.