The 30th celebration of the Essence Festival of Culture, held from July 4-7, 2024, in its enduring home of New Orleans, was a spectacular event. This milestone gathering featured an impressive lineup of music legends and emerging artists, paying homage to three decades of Black culture and community. The Ernest N. Morial Convention Center was central to the festivities, hosting various panels and discussions that enriched the festival experience. These panels included topics such as Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), discrimination in hair textures, and reproductive justice, providing attendees with valuable insights and fostering meaningful conversations​​​​. This grand celebration of Black joy, art, culture, and community continues the Essence Festival's legacy as a pivotal event for Black culture and empowerment. Subscribe to ESSENCE - http://ow.ly/QXFD50lRgPz

Super bowl 59 MVP Jalen Hurts shares words of appreciation for Black women in his life and everywhere.

As head coach of the Notre Dame women’s basketball team, Niele Ivey has created an ecosystem of winning, love and legacy. Watch as she breaks down her formula for success in the NCAA, the importance of sisterhood in collegiate basketball and her fashion do’s and don’ts.

Go behind the scenes with the Olympics' golden girl at her ESSENCE shoot.

Go behind-the-scenes of our ESSENCE September cover shoot with the iconic Serena Williams. From the hairstyles to the African art painted on her face—she truly is a work of art. Subscribe to ESSENCE now: http://ow.ly/QXFD50lRgPz

ESSENCE Producer Shari Nycole chit chats with Sha'Carri Richardson for an Exclusive interview during her ESSENCE Cover Shoot. Our ESENCE Black Women in sport January/February Issue is on stands NOW!

Lamar Jackson isn’t just the face of the Baltimore Ravens or a two-time NFL MVP; he’s a man of many dimensions. Sitting down with ESSENCE Sports host Sharí Nycole, the quarterback opened up about his life off the field, touching on everything from his laid-back fashion sense to his commitment to shaping a better future for his community. His style—rooted in the effortless cool of the ’90s and family influences—is all about comfort. “Even if I have to handle business, I try to be [as] comfortable as possible,” Jackson shares. “When you’re comfortable, you can be yourself.” Jackson also spoke candidly about mental health, a topic often sidelined in professional sports. For him, staying true to his values has been essential to maintaining inner peace. “Getting closer to God,” he said, reflecting on the challenges of balancing a high-stakes career with personal well-being. “I think about stuff in the bible, and [dang] we have to move this way.” As a quarterback, Jackson takes his role as a leader seriously, prioritizing the physical and emotional health of everyone around him. Yet, despite his public persona, he confessed a preference for quiet nights at home over glitzy social events—proof that even the NFL’s brightest stars need their downtime. Off the gridiron, Jackson’s influence is equally impactful. Through his Forever Dreamers Foundation, he’s championing education and mentorship, helping young people see possibilities beyond sports. He’s also a fierce advocate for women in sports, crediting his mother’s wisdom for shaping his appreciation of their contributions to society. Reflecting on his legacy, Jackson envisions a path defined by authenticity and community—with hopes to really uplift the next generation of kids who come from similar backgrounds as him. “If you're coming from a place like where I come from, don’t try to be like the guys around you. Don’t look up to the stuff that ‘looks’ like it’s fun, because sometimes it gets you in trouble,” he said. “It’s about sacrifice. It’s about discipline.”

The 30th celebration of the Essence Festival of Culture, held from July 4-7, 2024, in its enduring home of New Orleans, was a spectacular event. This milestone gathering featured an impressive lineup of music legends and emerging artists, paying homage to three decades of Black culture and community. The Ernest N. Morial Convention Center was central to the festivities, hosting various panels and discussions that enriched the festival experience. These panels included topics such as Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), discrimination in hair textures, and reproductive justice, providing attendees with valuable insights and fostering meaningful conversations​​​​. This grand celebration of Black joy, art, culture, and community continues the Essence Festival's legacy as a pivotal event for Black culture and empowerment. Subscribe to ESSENCE - http://ow.ly/QXFD50lRgPz

Super bowl 59 MVP Jalen Hurts shares words of appreciation for Black women in his life and everywhere.