Overview
- The ESSENCE Festival of Culture, held over the Fourth of July weekend, combined daytime sessions at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center with nightly headline concerts at the Caesars Superdome.
- Standout moments included Michelle Obama’s live 'IMO' conversation with Keke Palmer, Cardi B’s opening-night Superdome headlining set, Missy Elliott’s Aaliyah tribute and a Brandy and Monica reunion ahead of a multi-artist hip-hop finale.
- ESSENCE debuted a Creator & Podcast Festival that filmed more than 50 episodes, provided grants and drew packed daytime audiences for live tapings and creator panels.
- Organizers said the event produced measurable local gains, reporting some Convention Center vendors earned $10,000–$25,000 over the weekend and awarding $10,000–$25,000 in business pitch prizes to local entrepreneurs.
- Festival leaders are negotiating with New Orleans officials over the event’s future and have requested up to $12 million annually in subsidies as their current seven-year agreement approaches its September expiration.