NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – JUNE 30: Brandee Evans and Shannon Thornton attend night 1 of the 2023 ESSENCE Festival Of Culture™ at Caesars Superdome on June 30, 2023 in New Orleans, Louisiana.

The 2025 ESSENCE Festival of Culture Presented by Coca-Cola returns to New Orleans from July 4–6, and one of its most compelling offerings is the ESSENCE Film Festival (EFF).

For five decades, we’ve challenged brands to see us intentionally, speak to us authentically and invest in us meaningfully.

For 55 years, ESSENCE has reflected, revered, and shaped Black womanhood. From ‘Girlfriends’ to ‘Girls Trip,’ explore its legacy in pop culture and beyond.

In a powerful ESSENCE Fest 2025 conversation, culture shapers demanded bodily autonomy, policy change and radical ...

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – JULY 07: Guests visit BeautyCon during the 2024 ESSENCE Festival Of Culture™ Presented By Coca-Cola® at Ernest N. Morial Convention Center on July 07, 2024 in New ...

In a city known for food that draws crowds, these restaurants offer everything from Creole-Italian creations to Caribbean bites, with much less hassle.

Though LaBelle’s four-octave range and emotional depth are undeniable, the secret to her longevity goes beyond her talent. It’s rooted in an authenticity that has guided every decision throughout her ...

Essence Fest 2025 fills New Orleans convention center with markets, interviews and more The Essence Festival of Culture hosts 'experiences' at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center July 4-6.

Both women emphasize perseverance as essential to their political journeys, especially as Black women facing double barriers in predominantly White and male spaces. “You learn at an early age how to ...

ESSENCE FESTIVAL OF CULTURE HERE IN NEW ORLEANS. AND WE’RE LEARNING MORE ABOUT HOW NEW ORLEANS CULTURE, MUSIC AND ART IS ...

The festival will be held on July 3 through July 6 and will include many musical performances, including Boys II Men, Master P, Jill Scott, Erykah Badu, Maxwell, Babyface and more.