Celebrating Black Excellence and Unforgettable moments at the 2025 ESSENCE Festival of Culture in New Orleans

By: LaCrystal Parker

New Orleans, Louisiana Keekee Palmer and Kandi Burris on stage Photo by Erika Goldring/Getty Images for ESSENCE

(New Orleans) July 6th, 2025 – The 2025 ESSENCE Festival of Culture® Presented By Coca-Cola® wrapped up an awesome three-day cultural celebration with moving conversations, legacy tributes, and “you had to be there” music moments that brought the house down. A powerful close to a weekend dedicated to Black excellence, joy, and creative expression. Solidifying another year in the books for the festival’s legacy.

Attendees of Essence Music Festival at the Convention Center Photo by Erika Goldring/Getty Images for ESSENCE

Keke Palmer showed up and showed out on the ESSENCE mainstage alongside mogul Kandi Burruss with a live taping of her Wondery podcast Baby, This is Keke Palmer. Giving fans a sneak peek of her new Prime Video film The Pickup. to  The Global Black Economic Forum convened New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell and Savannah Mayor Van R. Johnson to explore the connection between wealth-building and access in “From Storefront to Stability,” addressing how housing, literacy, and inclusive city contracts fuel Black economic growth.

New Orleans, Louisiana Keekee Palmer and Kandi Burris on stage Photo by Erika Goldring/Getty Images for ESSENCE

  I got a chance to stop by the SUEDE: Men's Experience AKA Man Cave! I really enjoyed seeing men playing pool, hanging out and sampling the male cologne. Now you know we love a man that smells good! Comedy sensation and entrepreneur Druski sat down on the SUEDE: Men’s Experience™ stage for an unfiltered conversation about building his brand, 4Lifers Entertainment, viral fame, the power of authenticity, and cultural impact.

Druski sat down on the SUEDE: Men’s Experience™ stage Photo by Erika Goldring/Getty Images for ESSENCE

The Global Black Economic Forum was on fire this year bringing convened powerful leaders and entertainers in the industry together for powerful discussions. Letoya Luckett Alana Yzola, Kimberly Allers, Margaret Pettigrew, Gina Curry, Emmai Alaquiva New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell and Savannah Mayor Van R. Johnson to explore the connection between wealth-building and access in “From Storefront to Stability,” addressing how housing, literacy, and inclusive city contracts fuel Black economic growth.

(L-R) LeToya Luckett, Alana M. Yzola, Kimberly Seals Allers, Margaret Larkins-Pettigrew, Gina H. Curry and Emmai Alaquiva attend the 2025 ESSENCE Festival Of Culture presented by Coca-Cola - Day 3 at Ernest N. Morial Convention Center on July 06, 2025 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Leon Bennett/Getty Images for ESSENCE)

I had an opportunity to stop by Disney at Essence Festival and experience some fun and entertainment with Disney fans and pick up some Minnie Mouse Ears. Lol

Stopped by Beauty Con and WOW it was an experience. Beauty lovers, masters, and beginners get an up-close look at brands, gurus, and tips for all things makeup, haircare, and skincare. Brands like Loreal, Mielle Organics, the Lip Bar showed up and showed out.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - JULY 06: Dr. Julian Sass, Dr. Isfahan Chambers-Harris, AJ Addae and Akili King speak onstage during the 2025 ESSENCE Festival (Photo by Erika Goldring/Getty Images for ESSENCE)