EssenceFest has long been a cultural cornerstone, celebrating Black culture, talent and the strength of Black womanhood.
Since its inception in 1995, the festival has drawn hundreds of thousands of attendees each year to New Orleans for a weekend of music, fashion, empowerment and community. It was more than just a festival—it was a reunion, a movement and a space where Black excellence took center stage.
But with the controversy over the recent EssenceFest (from disorganization to low attendance to sponsorship backlash), it’s time to ask: How can the festival reclaim its glory?
The festival is at a crossroads. With the rise of other major events, shifting audience expectations and now, the boycotting of a major sponsor (Target), EssenceFest has struggled to maintain the same level of excitement it once generated.
The changing landscape of EssenceFest
In recent years, there has been criticism that EssenceFest has become too commercialized and too beholden to corporate sponsorships, particularly from brands that don’t always align with the values that initially made Essence a cultural touchstone. There’s been growing frustration among attendees, particularly in light of the festival’s partnership with mainstream corporations like Target, whose presence at the 2025 festival garnered extreme backlash among many attendees, and even had major supporters like Tamika Mallory and Jamal Bryant, bowing out in protest.
EssenceFest’s multi-year contract with Target meant the retailer had to remain a sponsor despite criticisms of its business practices and its strained relationship with Black communities. For some, this felt like a betrayal. The question is: Can EssenceFest reclaim its authenticity while navigating these corporate interests? While it’s easy to say they should just walk away from the money, number one, they had a contract, which they would’ve been in breach of had they walked away. Number two, how many of you are lining up to shell out 100 grand (or whatever the amount of their sponsorship) to pay salaries, fees, artists, etc? It’s a double-edged conundrum that Essence finds itself in.
Centering community and culture
To reclaim its glory, EssenceFest must return to its roots—prioritizing the celebration of Black culture and the empowerment of Black people, particularly Black women. It’s essential for the festival to reconnect with the heart of its mission: Uplifting the community.
This means more than just providing a platform for celebrity performances and fashion shows. It means re-engaging with local grassroots organizations, community leaders and activists who are working every day to improve the lives of Black people.
EssenceFest has always had the power to elevate the voices of those often overlooked in mainstream culture. From lesser-known musicians to political figures, EssenceFest should recommit to amplifying these voices.
The festival could provide more space for conversations around issues affecting Black communities, like healthcare, education and racial justice. This isn’t just about entertainment—it’s about creating a space where change can happen, where Black people can gather to share ideas, educate and inspire.
Diversifying the experience
Another way to reclaim its glory is by diversifying the EssenceFest experience. For years, EssenceFest has been known for its stellar musical performances, but now it’s time to expand the festival to include more forms of entertainment and culture, for the aunties who made it and the Gen Zers they’re trying to pull in. The festival should invest in innovative programming that engages audiences in new and exciting ways, from interactive art installations to storytelling sessions to panel discussions that explore Black identity and culture across different generations (think AfroTech).
One of EssenceFest’s most powerful aspects has always been its commitment to Black empowerment. But in recent years, some have questioned whether the festival has maintained the same level of focus on this mission as it has become more corporate.
EssenceFest can revitalize its legacy by reigniting its focus on empowerment, specifically by providing more opportunities for Black people to take center stage in all aspects of the festival, from performances to workshops and leadership panels. By doing so, EssenceFest will not only stay true to its core but also set an example for other major events to follow.
A return to roots
At its core, EssenceFest must remind itself of the values that made it such a beloved event in the first place: Community, culture and empowerment. The festival’s success was never about the corporate sponsors or the massive headlining acts—it was about creating a space where Black people could feel seen, celebrated and empowered.
If EssenceFest can return to this spirit, focusing on its community’s needs and the issues that matter most to Black people, it has a chance to reclaim its glory and continue to serve as a cultural beacon for years to come.
The conversation around EssenceFest’s future isn’t just about how many tickets it can sell or how many celebrity appearances it can line up—it’s about the legacy it will leave behind. It’s time to put the community back at the center, focusing on the values that have always made this festival a symbol of Black excellence.
EssenceFest has the power to reclaim its glory—it just has to remember where it started and who it’s really for: us.
Check out this Thread on 5 things @Crystal.moore85 says Essence should be doing now.
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