Essence Festival wraps up a 4-day celebration of Black culture

By& Chevel Johnson RodrigueThe Associated PressFor 30 years, the Essence Festival of Culture has brought together people from all walks of life and from around the world to connect through conversation, shared experiences and, of course, music.& The nation’s largest annual celebration of Black culture ended Sunday with musical performances by Janet Jackson and a special tribute to Frankie Beverly & Maze, the soul band that closed the event for the festival’s first 15 years. Beverly, now 77, has said he is stepping away from performing live, and the group has been on a farewell tour. Essence President and CEO Caroline Wanga leads (left) a discussion at the 2024 Essence Festival of Culture with Vice President Kamala Harris during the session titled, “Chief to Chief.” The Essence Festival took place once again in New Orleans and featured artists like Tarriona “Tank” Ball, who appeared with her group, Tank and the Bangas.Others performing included Victoria Monét, Teedra Moses, Tank and the Bangas, Dawn Richard, SWV, Jagged Edge, Bilal and Anthony Hamilton.Barkue Tubman-Zawolo, chief of staff, talent and diasporic engagement for Essence Ventures, told The Associated Press the festival helps connect the global Black community.“Historically, as Black people, sometimes we’re not sure...