From Campus to Classroom: Stories That Shape Education
- Dr. Bernice A. King and Dr. Ilyasah Shabazz discussed legacy, leadership, and resilience, inspiring continued advocacy for Black rights.
- Michelle Obama and Keke Palmer hosted a live session of IMO, urging community, authenticity, and intentional connections as sources of resilience.
- Fierce closing performances from Latto, Kehlani, and Cardi B electrified the crowd and closed day one with a bang.
All eyes were on New Orleans this past weekend for ESSENCE Festival of Culture 2026. The festival lineup at the Caesars Superdome was packed with Black superstars across entertainment, politics, culture and education. From talks between Dr. Bernice King and Dr. Ilyasah Shabazz to pilates classes hosted by Keke Palmer, this ESSENCE Festival was not one to miss. But if you couldn’t make it, don’t worry; here’s a roundup of some of the best moments from the weekend.
Dr. Ilyasah Shabazz and Dr. Bernice King Talk About Legacy
On day one, Dr. Bernice A. King and Dr. Ilyasah Shabazz, the daughters of civil rights icons Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X, came together for a much-needed conversation on legacy, leadership and resilience. At a time when Black people are being targeted by the Trump administration and people’s rights are being threatened, this talk was a reminder of the injustices Black Americans have overcome. It also served as inspiration to continue moving forward.
DJ Envy’s Epic Car Show
The Breakfast Club’s DJ Envy brought his garage to ESSENCE Festival, showcasing some of his favorite vehicles from his multimillion-dollar collection. Any car enthusiast would have been in heaven at this car show.
Live Session of “IMO Podcast” Hosted by Michelle Obama and Keke Palmer
Keke Palmer and Michelle Obama delivered a live session of Obama’s award-winning podcast “IMO with Michelle Obama and Craig Robinson” to a packed stadium. Together, they had an honest conversation about protecting your peace, creating opportunities for yourself and our forever First Lady’s book “The Look.”
A Class On Setting The Next Generation Up For Success
Along with a signing for her book “7-Figure Educator,” CEO and founder of EJT Education Group, Dr. Erica Jordan-Thomas, provided a masterclass on how educators can set their students up to become the next generation of successful seven-figure earners.
Cardi B Speaks On The Beautycon Panel
On the Beautycon stage, Cardi B sat down with Refinery29’s Chief Content Officer, Brooke DeVard, and got real about motherhood and life as an entrepreneur since the April launch of her haircare brand, Grow Good.
A Conversation On Black Political and Economic Power
Sen. Cory Booker, Rep. Jasmine Crockett, CEO of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation (CBCF) Nicole Austin-Hillery and civil rights leader Rashad Robinson came together on the Global Black Economic Forum Stage for a talk on Black political and economic power.
Pilates Class Hosted By Keke Palmer
Keke Palmer hosted a mat Pilates class for all the exercise enthusiasts. One of the highlights of her 40-minute session was a surprise from Academy Award-winning actor Daniel Kaluuya, who stopped by to say hey.
Fire Performances From Latto, Kehlani and Cardi B
Closing out ESSENCE Festival Day One at the Caesars Superdome were fierce performances from Latto, Kehlani, and Cardi B. If you’re going to end a festival with a big bang before sending the crowd back home, this is how you do it.
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