What goes on, my gorgeous beings! Alright, let’s get to the ish (Man, I love Kevin Hart) lol. For the last what feels like forever, we haven’t been able to experience the world. Just before the world shut down and we gained a new sense of routine, I had the privilege to attend one of the BIGGEST expressions of BLACK culture in one of the most culturally rich cities on the east coast. The 2018 Essence Fest was a sight to behold.

Yall, when I tell you I felt like a kid in a candy store, that is an understatement. This was my first time going, and I was in absolute amazement, from all the vendors to the workshops, to the “Ted Talks,” all of it. It makes you appreciate the essence of being black, hahaha ya see what I did there.

Yall are going to have to pardon me with regards to pictures because this was back in my younger days, lol, and I didn’t understand the magnitude and the impact a photo could have. With that, I don’t have any suitable ones to share but BE YE placed on notice that once we can reconvene, I WILL be attending again and will make up for my blunder. For now, I will give you a visual with my words. Picture this, July 6th, 2018, New Orleans, LA, around 7:30 pm, the smell of car exhaust permeating the streets as a cohort of the young and younger alike walk briskly in the direction of the Mercedes Benz Superdome to bask in the experience of a lifetime. Car horns feverishly screaming at passers-by as if to say, move it along I want to see too. The crowds were full of eloquently dressed beings, and some, well, that’s not my place 😉. Even in the mass hysteria of it all, we had one goal to enter this vortex of culture and to emerge anew. Once we arrived at the door, security was tighter than a shrink-wrapped package, scanners, wands, the whole shebang! We entered, took a left, and headed upstairs to our seats. We sat in excitement and anxiousness, waiting for the likes of Mr. Snoop Dogg himself, Queen Jill Scott, Her Highness Miss Erykah Badu, The Legendary MC. Lyte, The gorgeous Ledisi, Mr. Sultry Miguel, Everybody’s favorite Doug E. Fresh, The Voice of Ms. Keeke Wyatt, H.E.R, Mr. True Himself Lloyd, The Roots, and a host of other talents and wonders! Night one was slower in comparison to the rest, but still one for the books. I think me and my friends stood up the entire time, just reveling in the experience. Once it was over, we headed out to grab a bite to eat at this charming little eatery. Maybe you’ve heard of it, Mambo’s, now as it has been three years since this day, the order escapes me lol, but it was delicious. I told yall this was before I understood the magnitude of photos, lol!

Night 2, nachos, Po’Boys, hot wings, fried shrimp, adult beverages, and pizza! I know I know, but when in Rome, or New Orleans rather! This was an even bigger spectacle of awe, with Jussie Smollett, Ella Mai, Queen Latifah, Marsha Ambrosius, Xscape, Auntie Mary, and so many more. The whole night was full of laughs, fun, love, and friendship while sharing a culturally catapulting experience. Having just learned the breakdown of my blackness, I am even more appreciative of opportunities such as this. Being a part of an event where people who look like me can come together and honestly speak the same language without saying a word to each other is magical!

Night 3 The. Best. Night. EVER! Janet Jackson, SWV, Anthony Hamilton, Teddy Riely, BIG FREEDIA!!!!!, Fantasia, Blackstreet, 112, to name a few! They most certainly ended with a bang! As was expected. This was by far my favorite night! I may not remember all the details, but I recall waking up the following day with no voice! My overall consensus of Essence Fest is that you most certainly should put it on the list if you have not had the opportunity to attend. Also, to have the whole experience make sure you participate in the daytime experiences, from the speakers to the sessions to the expos; each day will be something amazingly different.

I am an even further advocate for this festival because of the following benefits! The City Of New Orleans leads the nation with the highest official poverty rate. I won’t bore you with the numbers. Just know that 50% of the city falls somewhere between poverty, low-income, low education, etc. So having an event like this there funnels money through the town and can help decrease these rates.

As always, thank you ALL for allowing me to share my passions and experiences with you! I hope that my blog inspires you to go after what you want and believe in yourself, because I believe in you! Now strike your POWER POSE- We got this, LET’S GET TO IT!!

Keep Shining Loves

-💕Jazz