Red Carpet Rundown: Essence Festival Day 2

Day two of the 2024 ESSENCE Festival of Culture™ presented by Coca-Cola® embarked on a sunrise to sunset celebration with the debut of ESSENCE Hollywood House™ and Suede: Men’s Experience™ (formerly known as In His Zone) in the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center.

Select highlights from yesterday’s events included:

The Global Black Economic Forum HQ® returned to this year’s festival as the ultimate shared space for innovation, discussion, and action centered on the themes of the future of work, wealth, health, and democracy with conversations from those at the forefront of justice including, civil rights leader Reverend Al Sharpton, Congresswoman Maxine Waters, and MSNBC Correspondent Trymaine Lee.
Award-winning actress and comedian Danielle Pinnock and iconic actress Essence Atkins, joined the ESSENCE Film Festival® by ESSENCE STUDIOS™ for curated conversations around their experiences as Black actresses.
Beautycon™: ESSENCE Festival of Culture™ Edition is crafted with the community in mind shattering definitions, challenging perceptions, and creating space that champions Black beauty. Today, model and media personality, Sabrina Elba, shared reflection on the direction the beauty industry is heading and how this aligns with the values of consumers.
Wellness entrepreneur Dreka Gates spoke to the importance of having access to fresh, nutrient rich foods to combat food deserts and reducing the risk of life-threatening health conditions at the ESSENCE Food & Wine Festival™.
Nationally recognized dancer Amari “Monster” Marshall taught a mini dance class series at the AFROPUNK BLKTOPIA™ stage, exploring what is next in dance trends.
Hip-Hop legend Jadakiss and Grammy-nominated singer and songwriter Tank stopped by the AT&T® Dream in Black stage.
Additionally, concert-goers enjoyed performances from multifaceted singer, songwriter, and producer Raphael Saadiq, Grammy-winning band members, The Roots & Friends featuring Ari Lennox, Mickey Guyton and special guest, T. Pain, award-winning hip-hop artist Busta Rhymes, R&B singer Jacquees, and newcomer 4Batz.