6 Reasons to Attend the Essence Festival of Culture in New Orleans (Next Year)

July 12, 2022

It’s been one week since I returned from this year’s Essence Festival of Culture event in New Orleans and I’m still on a high. If you’ve never made the trip to the unofficial mecca of black girl magic, you’re missing out on an indescribable celebration. From the food to the concerts, Essence Festival of Culture is a can’t-miss event that happens every year during the Fourth of July weekend in the Big Easy.

This was the first in-person festival since July 2019 — before the Covid-19 pandemic forced countless cancellations across the board. That’s why this year felt extra special. It was basically the informal campaign for “we’re back outside, y’all!” Indeed, we are back outside and filled the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center and Caesar’s Superdome to the rafters. In fact, it’s been reported that this year was one of the highest grossing festivals in its 27-year history. Simply put, we were in the building!

If you’re looking to make unforgettable memories and have a wonderful time, don’t miss out on next year’s festivities. I’m sure it’s going to be bigger and better than the last!

Check out my top six reasons to attend the annual Essence Festival of Culture:

Delectable creole cuisine
Good food is virtually synonymous with New Orleans. If you’re in the Crescent City for Essence Fest, just know that your taste buds are in for a treat. With scrumptious dishes like seafood gumbo, spicy jambalaya, fried fish, char-grilled oysters , and of course sweet beignets offered at just about every turn, die-hard foodies will be in heaven. Essence Eats, a food and wine festival within the Ernest N. Morial Convention Centers puts a lot of popular vendors under one roof. Convenient, right? Attendees get to see cooking demos with some of their favorite chefs, media personalities and other culinary stars. Essence Fest is a one-stop shop for learning new recipes and getting your grub on.

Unmatched musical acts
What’s a party without music? The Essence Festival of Culture got its start as a jazz festival and has since morphed into a melting pot of Black music. This year’s headliners included Nicki Minaj, Janet Jackson and all six members of New Edition. If that wasn’t enough, old-school hip-hop acts like Nas, The Roots, The Lox, and the iconic Lil Kim, all took center stage. Plus, newer R&B artists like Summer Walker, Lucky Daye, Jazmine Sullivan, Chloe x Halle, and more put on stellar shows every night during the festival. If a mix of new and old tunes sounds like music to your ears, the Essence Festival of Culture is where you need to be.

Black-owned shopping experience
We know our worth and the value of our hard-earned dollars. That’s why it’s so important to buy Black and put that money back into our communities. The Essence Festival of Culture makes it easy for us to support our own businesses. From beauty to fashion, the festival showcases some of the best retailers from people who make products with us in mind. Vendors like The PuffCuff and Issa Rae’s new hair care brand Sienna Naturals were on full display at this year’s event. Countless vendors from across the country descend on the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center year after year to bring Black women and our families the goods we need to keep us looking and feeling our best.

Unmistakable Disney magic
As a longtime partner and sponsor, Disney has had a presence at every Essence Fest that I’ve attended. While I can’t guarantee that they’ll be back next year or beyond, it is highly likely. Disney gives festival attendees a magical experience that only they can bring. From free ears to fun giveaways, it’s my favorite booth at the convention center and for good reason. It brings out the kid and me and satiates my ongoing desire to be at one of their awesome parks. It brings Disney to New Orleans and always with optimism and relevance to the Black community.

Empowering panels and discussions
From a crash course in finances to politics to relationship advice, Essence Fest delivers on enriching, thought-provoking panels, roundtables and interviews. This year, special guests included Lala Anthony, Stacey Abrams, Lala Milan and a host of others. If you want to learn about how to be a power playing, stack your cash and give back to your community, this event is a sure bet.

Good vibes and pure joy
Whenever we’re in large groups, there’s an unspoken feeling of kinship and community. Essence Fest is no different, and quite frankly is the epitome of Black unity. It’s a big celebration for us and thankfully, by us…again since Richelieu Dennis is now the full owner of Essence Communications. New Orleans already has a welcoming vibe that I’ve never experienced in any other U.S. city and it’s on full display throughout the long weekend. You’ll see people smiling, starting conversations with strangers in line at the convention center, and happily offering recommendations for restaurants and what booths to hit up, etc. — there’s a strong sense of camaraderie and family that can’t be duplicated. Good vibes abound and you leave feeling carefree, calmer, and just all-around more joyful!

Have you ever attended Essence Fest? If so, how would you describe it?

Category: Arts and Entertainment, DE&I, Disney | 1 Comment

Tiana’s Bayou Adventure Coming to Disney World and Disneyland in 2024

July 5, 2022

This past weekend was one for the books. For starters, I headed down to New Orleans to attend the Essence Festival of Culture. If you’ve never had the pleasure of experiencing the four-day event, it’s a fun-filled weekend bursting with uplifting activities, empowering panels, and of course, concerts all created with Black women in mind. Simply put, it’s a glorious celebration for us.

That’s why it was the perfect place for Disney to explore the details around Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, one of the newest amusement ride attractions coming to Magic Kingdom in Orlando and Disneyland in California in late 2024. That’s right, our favorite Black princess (from “The Princess and the Frog”) who is fictionally based in the Big Easy is getting her own ride.

I had the honor of attending the press event at Preservation Hall — one of the city’s most historic and popular music venues — where the attraction’s name was revealed and learned some fascinating facts about its creation. In case you didn’t know, authenticity is paramount for Disney. Their Imagineers (Disney’s spin on engineers), work tirelessly and comb through painstaking details to ensure that everything they develop is rooted in authenticity.

Pictured (L-R): Ted Robledo, executive creative director at Walt Disney Imagineering and Stella Chase, daughter of the late Chef Leah Chase who inspired Tiana’s story.

From an alligator’s slithering movement to New Orleans’ unique vibe and environment, the Imagineers relentlessly researched and studied real-life in the bayou — essentially leaving no lilypad unturned. They worked closely with local experts and individuals like Stella Chase, the daughter of the late, legendary chef Leah Chase — who was also a panelist at the event — to ensure the ride accurately depicts the setting and stays true to the city in which the movie was inspired.

Disney Park guests can look forward to seeing the next chapter of Tiana’s life as the attraction, which is a reimagining of Magic Kingdom’s Splash Mountain, takes riders on a musical journey inspired by the beloved film.

“Picking up where the film left off, guests will join Princess Tiana, Naveen and jazz-loving alligator Louis on an adventure through the bayou as they prepare to host a one-of-a-kind Mardi Gras celebration where everyone is welcome,” Carmen Smith, Senior Vice President, Creative Development – Product/Content & Inclusive Strategies at Disney wrote in a recent Disney Park’s blog post. “Along the way, guests will encounter familiar faces, make new friends and travel through the bayou to original music inspired by songs from the film as they are brought into the next chapter of Tiana’s story.”

After learning about the details, attendees were treated to a surprise rendition of “Dig a Little Deeper,” performed by famed actor and prolific entertainer Jenifer Lewis. For the uninitiated, Lewis provided the voice of Mama Odie in “The Princess and the Frog” movie.

Overall it was an incredible event that exquisitely showcased the beauty of New Orleans coupled with the magic of Disney. My family and I can’t wait to experience Tiana’s Bayou Adventure in late 2024!

Are you excited for Tiana’s Bayou Adventure?

Category: Arts and Entertainment, DE&I, Disney, Travel, travel & liefstyle, Travel & Lifestyle | 4 Comments

The Lilly Awards Foundation Launches The Lorraine Hansberry Initiative

May 20, 2022

When I was in elementary school, I vividly recall doing a report on Lorraine Hansberry in celebration of Black History Month. I remember choosing the acclaimed playwright because I’ve always been intrigued by writers of all kinds. So, researching and writing about the first African American woman to have a play produced on Broadway (“A Raisin in the Sun”), who happened to come from my hometown of Chicago, was beyond rewarding.

That’s why I’m super excited to share the news that the Lilly Awards Foundation, a nonprofit whose mission is to celebrate the work of women in the theater and promote gender parity at all levels — announced the launch of the Lorraine Hansberry Initiative, which aims to honor the great American playwright and civil rights leader’s legacy while investing in those following in her footsteps.

The initiative includes a statue of Hansberry that will tour the nation in 2022-2023 to raise public awareness of the full breadth of her work and teachings. The statue, created by the renowned sculptor Alison Saar, is entitled “To Sit Awhile,” and features the figure of Hansberry surrounded by five bronze chairs, each representing a different aspect of her life and work. The life-size chairs are an invitation to the public to do just that: sit with her and think.

Courtesy: The Lilly Foundation

Additionally, the Lorraine Hansberry Initiative has created a scholarship to make sure that the next generation is able to follow in Hansberry’s footsteps, regardless of race, gender, or economic situation. This singular grant will be primarily intended to cover the living expenses of three female and/or non-binary dramatic writers of color entering graduate school, with two additional recipients added each year. Each recipient will receive $25,000 for each year of their education, ensuring that they have protected time to write, work with collaborators, and benefit from the guidance of professional mentors in their respective fields.

“One can draw a straight line from the issue of real estate and racial discrimination that Hansberry pointed to so clearly in ‘A Raisin in the Sun,’ to the generational wealth gap that is preventing women of color, specifically Black women, from following in her footsteps today,” Julia Jordan, the Lillys executive director said in a statement.

Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Lynn Nottage added, “We know that graduate school is the primary gateway to a career as a dramatic writer. In my twenty years of teaching at the graduate level, I have had only four Black female students. If we want theater to tell the full story of humanity, we need to nurture the full breadth of talent.”

The statue’s tour will include three installations in New York, followed by a national tour of major cities and Historically Black Colleges and Universities. In each city, the Initiative will work with local theaters and social justice organizations to showcase the work of contemporary writers of color concurrent with the sculpture’s placement.

The full NYC tour stops are as follows:

♦ Times Square: June 9th – 12th (unveiling will take place on June 9th)

♦ The Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture: June 13th – 18th

♦ Brooklyn Bridge Park: June 23rd – 29th

Additional supporting NYC events include:

♦ The New Victory Theater will host Speak Up, Act Out: Celebrating Student Voices (Inspired by The Lorraine Hansberry Initiative Dramatic Writing Showcase) on June 9th.

♦ The Museum of the City of New York will present a panel, titled The Playwright as Activist, on June 13th as part of their Freedom Week programming, which will feature a conversation between playwrights Lynn Nottage, Lisa Kron, and Erika Dickerson-Despenza.

♦ The Drama Book Shop will be dedicating their display space for the month of June to works by and about Hansberry and contemporary writers of color.

Following the NYC installations, the tour will stop in cities across the country, including Philadelphia, Detroit, Minneapolis, Washington D.C., Atlanta, Seattle, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Chicago. As the birthplace of Hansberry and the setting of “A Raisin in the Sun,” Chicago will enjoy an enhanced and permanent installation in 2023.

This is an amazing initiative for Black female writers and individuals who appreciate Hansberry’s cultural impact. I can’t wait to see the statue and attend some of the activations and events taking place in New York City.

To learn more about the Lorraine Hansberry Initiative, please click here.

I saw the Broadway revival of “A Raisin in the Sun” back in 2004. Have you ever seen the play or watched the film adaptation?

Category: Arts and Entertainment, DE&I | 3 Comments

Magical Memories: Interview with Disney Dreamer Kayla Nelson

April 11, 2022

It’s hard to believe it’s already been a month since I attended and covered the 2022 Disney Dreamers Academy in Orlando, FL. The 4-day event and mentoring program hosted by Walt Disney World Resort was an unforgettable experience for me, so I can only imagine the positive impact it had on the 100 teenagers from across the country who were accepted into the coveted program.

Having the chance to unlock their imaginations and dream big with the encouragement and support of mentors at “The Most Magical Place on Earth,” was an experience I’m sure they will never forget.

For Kayla Nelson, a high school senior from the suburbs of Chicago, being a Disney Dreamer was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that she’ll forever cherish. I had a chance to catch up with the dedicated basketball player and aspiring educator to hear about her memorable experience.

Below, check out our Q&A:

Photo by Todd Anderson

BGG: How would you describe the Disney Dreamers Academy in three words?
Kayla Nelson: Inspirational, informative and fun!

BGG: How did you hear about the program? What was the application process like for you?
KN: I heard about the program through my mom. She told me to apply and I did. I had to answer a couple questions about my aspirations and why I wanted to accomplish these things and how I would make them happen.

BGG: Tell me how you felt when you found out you were selected to be one of the 100 students to attend the 2022 Dreamers Academy? What were your first thoughts?
KN: When I first found out, I was definitely excited but also nervous because I had no idea what to expect. The first things that came to mind was what I was going to wear and how my teachers would react because they knew about my application. So overall, I was extremely excited and overwhelmed.

BGG: Had you ever visited Walt Disney World prior to the mentoring program? If not, did it live up to your expectations? If so, how?
KN: Prior to the Dreamers Academy, I hadn’t visited Walt Disney World. While I was there I was extremely overwhelmed by how much there was to do. Between the four parks and the fireworks shows, Walt Disney World definitely lived up to my expectations. My teachers and friends had been telling me that I would have so much fun. They told me what rides to get on and they didn’t lead me down the wrong path!

BGG: Can you share your most memorable moment from the entire event?
KN: My biggest highlight was meeting Kelly Rowland. I got the opportunity to talk to her and get a picture, which had me a little star struck. But getting the opportunity to talk to her and have a conversation with the one and only Kelly Rowland was truly the highlight.

BGG: Have you kept in touch with any of the other Dreamers?
KN: I’ve kept in touch with a lot of the other Dreamers. I text them all the time and they comment on my pictures and I do as well. It’s really like a family that we have and it’s funny because we were only around each other for four days.

BGG: What was the most surprising thing that you learned from attending the Disney Dreamers Academy?
KN: The most surprising thing I learned was how many jobs there are for people within the Walt Disney Company. This whole time I just thought it was the typical amusement park where you have the people who operate the machines and the people who let people into the park etc., but there was so much more within the company that makes it more than just a TV channel or an amusement park.

BGG: What advice would you give someone who hopes to be selected to participate in this program?
KN: My advice would be to just go for it! There were so many doubts in my head when my mom first told me about it like maybe my dream isn’t big enough, or what if i don’t get picked, but looking back I wish someone would’ve told me not to worry and to just do it.

Photo by Todd Anderson

BGG: What was your biggest takeaway from this experience?
KN: I learned that my dream is big enough. I also learned to persevere through the setbacks because my time will come and when the time comes to take it head on.

BGG: What is your dream for the future?
KN: My dream is to become a teacher within two years of me graduating college. I want to become a history teacher because I feel like history is one of the most important subjects simply because it forces conversation and allows students to see other perspectives.

BGG: How do you hope to change the world and make it a better place?
KN: I hope to change the world starting with teaching students history. Teaching students history will show students how the world has evolved. With students knowing and understanding how the world has evolved for the better will hopefully give students the push to evolve themselves and contribute to making the world a better place.

For more information about the Disney Dreamers Academy, check out the program’s official website.

Are you a mentor or did you have a mentor as a high school or college student?

Category: Arts and Entertainment, DE&I, Disney, Interviews | 2 Comments

Things to See: ‘Jabari Dreams of Freedom’ at New Victory Theater

March 29, 2022

It had been a little over two years since my kids and I visited The New Victory Theater in the heart of Times Square. Due to the pandemic, we hadn’t experienced the pleasure of seeing a New Victory production in so long. That all changed this past weekend when we made our way back to the children’s theater for the first time to see Jabari Dreams of Freedom.

Written by Nambi E. Kelley, the 45-minute show tells the story of Jabari, a 5th-grader living on the South Side of Chicago who is stifled by fear. After he and his friend Emmett set out on a mission to find his missing keys during a routine walk, they have a tragic encounter with the police. This incident leaves his friend Emmett in the hospital after suffering injuries sustained after a brutal case of mistaken identity.

Photo by: Abboye Lawrence

Traumatized and afraid, Jabari doesn’t want to return to school. Instead, the avid YouTuber or in this case “U-Tuber,” the middle schooler makes fun dance-infused videos for his followers. However, his parents urge him to return to school — especially since he has a major civil rights movement test coming up.

The night before the exam, Jabari dreams of prominent figures and seminal moments throughout the civil rights era. From Claudette Colvin to Ruby Bridges, he learns lessons of courage from young civil rights heroes who took a stand and changed the world for the better. He even meets a young and impressionable Barack Obama. His dream sequences give him the strength to forge ahead and accept the fact that being afraid is normal but it shouldn’t stop him from moving forward.

Through hip hop-inspired dances and soul-stirring freedom songs, Jabari Dreams of Freedom entertains and educates children while teaching them valuable history lessons. It presents the hard-hitting topics such as racism and police brutality in a way that’s palatable and digestible for young minds to understand.

If you’re looking for a show that will keep your child engaged, empower them to be fearless and impart teachable moments, this is a can’t-miss performance. Jabari Dreams of Freedom is recommended for children ages 7+ and runs through April 3, 2022 at New Victory Theater located, 209 W. 42nd Street, New York, NY.

For tickets and more information, click here.

Who is your favorite civil rights hero?

Category: Arts and Entertainment, DE&I | 4 Comments

When You Wish Upon a Star: Disney Dreamers Academy 2022 Recap

March 10, 2022

Last week was nothing short of magical. I got a chance to cover and attend the Disney Dreamers Academy in Orlando, FL. Created and hosted by Walt Disney World Resort, the four-day immersive mentorship event was founded in 2008 on the premise of broadening career awareness and creating exclusive opportunities for Black high school students and teens from underrepresented communities across America.

Although the impactful program is designed to foster the dreams of 100 outstanding young leaders beyond imagination — the event also sparked big dreams for me too! I’ll save that for another post, but first, here’s a full recap of the unforgettable weekend that I’m sure will forever live in the hearts of all the Disney Dreamers.

Day 1: Dream Bigger

Walt Disney was one of the greatest dreamers to ever walk the earth. His legacy lives on throughout Walt Disney World and was truly felt during the Dreamers event. As the first class to complete the program since the start of the pandemic, the excitement and enthusiasm in the air was palpable.

The Dreamers were ready and eager to seize the day, which started at Magic Kingdom. All 100 students participated in a character cavalcade, which is a procession that marches through the park. Leading the way was Kelly Rowland, who served as this year’s celebrity ambassador and parade’s grand marshal. Drum Major Mickey was outfitted by renowned fashion designer Kerby Jean-Raymond, who was also in attendance. After media interviews and photo shoots, the students were whisked away to partake in more exclusive activities.

Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter, actress and executive producer Kelly Rowland rides along with several Disney Dreamers during a celebratory parade at Magic Kingdom during the landmark 15th year of Disney Dreamers Academy at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. (PHOTO: Todd Anderson/Getty/Disney)

Later that evening, the Dreamers kicked off the weekend with a festive welcome rally that took place at Epcot’s World Showplace. Guests were treated to an uplifting performance by Kierra Sheard, who sang an uplifting gospel song that gave the audience goosebumps. The evening ended with a delicious waterfront dinner (for members of the media), an extravagant dessert party followed by a spectacular water and fireworks display at Epcot.

Day 2: Discover the Possibilities

The next morning, Dreamers were up bright and early to learn from a remarkable host of motivational guest speakers, mentors and sponsors including Caroline Wanga (CEO of ESSENCE Communications), Arturo Holmes (Getty photographer) and many more. Topics ranged from staying true to one’s self to the art of pivoting and learning new skills. Dreamers were encouraged to discover the possibilities and be fearless in their approach.

Later that afternoon, the group visited Disney University and other off-site facilities where they participated in deep dives, which provided them with a hands-on opportunity to learn from some of the best professionals in their respective fields. From journalistic arts to music production, Dreamers were given an in-depth look into a wide range of careers at the Walt Disney Company.

Disney Dreamers exploring career opportunities during a Deep Dive session. PHOTO: Getty/Disney

Following their educational deep dives, they participated in more media interviews where we got their thoughts on the experience. In the evening, all attendees were welcomed to an empowering networking dinner sponsored by Hallmark Mahogany. Throughout the dinner, students got the chance to hear from panelists including Nwaku Onwusa, Jathan Wilson, Disney’s own Tracey D. Powell, and more. Plus, they were entertained by an incredible musical performance by The Shindellas.

Day 3: Jumpstart

The next morning was all about style! Dreamers strutted their stuff and walked the runway stage donning stunning looks that complemented their personalities. Styled by iconic image makers Misa Hylton-Brim who is responsible for Mary J. Blige’s signature look and Jérome Lamaar who orchestrated Beyoncé’s Black is King ensembles. The image makeovers boosted Dreamers’ confidence and encouraged them to take pride in their appearance.

Disney Dreamers Academy Image Makeover fashion show.

Disney Dreamers Academy 2022 Image Makeover fashion show. PHOTO: Getty Images/Disney

Following the fashion show, Dreamers and attendees got an informative earful from panelists such as Bruce W. Smith and Ralph Farquhar, the dream team behind Disney+’s Proud Family: Louder and Prouder, OWN’s Black Love producers, and a host of other inspiring notables.

After the insightful conversations, everyone had free time to enjoy the parks. I went to Animal Kingdom and rode two of my favorite rides: Avatar Flight of Passage and Kilimanjaro Safari.

For dinner, guests were encouraged to check out Disney Springs, which is a one-of-a-kind, themed shopping and entertainment district in the heart of Walt Disney World. I had the pleasure of dining at The Boathouse, a waterfront seafood restaurant that boasts a sophisticated ambiance.

Day 4: Commencement

The final day arrived and the Dreamers and all attendees started the morning off with a delicious breakfast. Seeing the students and their parents/chaperones was a bittersweet moment for everyone in attendance. Since it was my first time covering the Dreamers Academy event, I didn’t know what to expect when it came to the commencement. I wasn’t sure if each Dreamer’s name would be called and they’d accept a Disney Dreamers Academy diploma or something similar. That didn’t happen, but Mickey Mouse made a special appearance (and confetti) as the parents/chaperones presented their child with a class ring. It was a special, heartwarming moment that nearly brought me to tears.

Disney Dreamers Class of 2022 PHOTO: Getty/Disney

Being in the presence of such amazing young people was inspiring, empowering and encouraging. I am beyond blessed and grateful to have had the opportunity to witness the magic that only Disney can bring — while motivating Black students to dream big. It’s one of the best experiences I’ve had since I started my blog 15 years ago!

I’m so grateful to Disney for inviting me to cover and attend. Hopefully, I’ll be back again next year with even more to report!

If you have a high school student between the ages of 13-19 who would like to apply for the Disney Dreamers Academy, be sure to check the website for more information.

Have you ever been a mentor? If so, please share your experience!

Category: Arts and Entertainment, DE&I, Disney, Travel, travel & liefstyle, Travel & Lifestyle | 4 Comments