The 30th annual Essence Festival of Culture brought an array of Black thought leaders, artists, athletes and politicians. A-list stars like Serena Williams, Vice President Kamala Harris, Ava DuVernay and more joined the festival as speakers and performers for the event, which closes on Sunday.
Here, see the standout celebrity looks from the 2024 Essence Festival of Culture.
Serena Williams
Retired tennis superstar Serena Williams talked about democratizing beauty on Saturday with her new brand, Wyn Beauty, during the festival’s BeautyCon event, wearing a tweed white collared top and skirt set featuring black piping by Gucci. She accessorized with a silver and gold watch, a silver ring featuring a blue stone and a beaded necklace in natural wood hues.
Vice President Kamala Harris
Vice President Kamala Harris made a surprise appearance alongside Lil Wayne during Essence’s tribute to 30 years of Cash Money Records on Friday. She wore a black pantsuit paired with a pastel blouse that featured a high neck and loose tie. The following day, she chose a vibrant blue suit and joined Maxine Waters for an event.
You May Also Like
Ava DuVernay
Filmmaker Ava DuVernay discussed her critically acclaimed film “Origin” in a panel alongside actor and filmmaker Aml Ameen in a light blue, pinstriped shirtdress by Staud that featured a collar, mid-length sleeves and casual tie at the waist. She paired the dress with pointed white pumps.
Mickey Guyton
“How You Love Someone” singer Mickey Guyton took to the stage on the first day of the festival with The Roots in a periwinkle Retrofete jumpsuit that featured patterned knitting with textural elements and cutouts.
Danielle Brooks
“The Color Purple” star Danielle Brooks attended the star-studded event in a bright, summery ensemble. She paired an orange and cream-colored, zebra patterned tank top with a pleated, full-length fuchsia skirt that featured a thigh-high slit and lots of shine.
Meagan Good
Meagan Good, who stars in Tyler Perry’s upcoming film “Divorce in the Black,” attended the New Orleans festival celebrating Black culture in a Hemant & Nandita halter minidress that featured a summery paisley pattern in soft orange, punk, green and yellow hues. She paired the minidress with shiny yellow platforms that featured a block heel.
Maxine Waters
U.S. representative Maxine Waters donned a lime green pantsuit and shiny sand-colored pumps during her conversation with Shawn Wooden, Monique Idlett and Jabari Young at the festival’s Global Black Economic Forum.
Colman Domingo
“Euphoria” actor Colman Domingo, whose next role is patriarch Joe Jackson in the upcoming Michael Jackson biopic “Michael,” attended the festival in an all-black look with white, textural accents.
The 30th annual Essence Festival of Culture, held in New Orleans, launched in 1995 to celebrate “Essence” magazine’s 25th anniversary. This year’s event features performances by Usher, Charlie Wilson, Big Boi and Janet Jackson, along with in-depth forums about various topics impacting the Black community.
