The 25th Essence Festival kicked off a community celebration on July 4th with an Inaugural Essence In The Park event. Guests were invited to come out and fellowship with one another while listening to the sounds of Gospel, R&B, Hip-Hop, and Bounce music at the beautiful Louis Armstrong Park.
Various vendors were on-hand to showcase their exclusive products and food booths offered nourishment to help enrich and hydrate attendees. As a free admission event, guests were treated with a concert by artists such as Common, Big Freedia, and MC Lyte. Gospel artist, Drea Marie, also provided praise through song on the sound stage with her energizing performance.
New Orleans weather in the summer is quite ruthless however, that didn’t stop the crowd from utilizing their umbrellas, lawn chairs, and blankets while enjoying the festivities. You would often find people sitting on the grass and finding solace under the shade tree.
Essence is known for developing events that serve a greater purpose, and this dynamic theme shined brightly with the emergence of the Essence Girls United. This initiative is designed to guide young Black women through a year-long mentorship program, as well as an interactive digital/social content hub that will convey the core principles of leadership and self-love.
The Essence Girls United Giving Challenge is a 4-day online event that is happening now through June 7 and includes eight 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organizations in the Greater New Orleans and Baton Rouge areas serving young black women. Every donation made on the essence.civicore.com website will support these organizations for the greater good of humanity.
At the Essence In The Park event, a multitude of young ladies wore neon shirts to represent the nonprofit agency that is making a difference in their lives. We spoke to a youth representative who shared her love for the Orchid Society and how this organization is impacting a future generation.
Watch the Essence In The Park video recap below and be sure to check out this free community event next year when it arrives.
