The 30th annual Essence Cultural Festival brought together a diverse group 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 at the event, which concludes on Sunday.
Here are the standout celebrity looks from the 2024 Essence Culture Festival.
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Serena Williams
Retired tennis superstar Serena Williams spoke of democratizing beauty with her new brand, Wyn Beauty, at the festival’s BeautyCon event on Saturday, wearing a Gucci black-striped tweed white-collared top and skirt set. She accessorized with a silver and gold watch, a silver ring with a blue stone and a beaded necklace in natural wood tones.
Vice President Kamala Harris
Vice President Kamala Harris made a surprise appearance alongside Lil Wayne on Friday during Essence’s tribute to 30 years of Cash Money Records. She wore a black pantsuit paired with a pastel high-collar blouse and a loose tie. The next day, she opted for a vibrant blue suit and attended an event with Maxine Waters.
Ava DuVernay
Filmmaker Ava DuVernay discussed her critically acclaimed film “Origin” on a panel with actor and filmmaker Aml Ameen wearing a light blue, striped shirt dress by Staud that featured a collar, mid-length sleeves and a relaxed tie at the waist. She paired the dress with pointed white pumps.
Mickey Guyton
On the first day of the festival, “How You Love Someone” singer Mickey Guyton took the stage with The Roots in a periwinkle Retrofete jumpsuit featuring patterned knits, textured elements and cutouts.
Danielle Brooks
“The Color Purple” star Danielle Brooks attended the star-studded event in a bright, summery outfit, teaming an orange and cream zebra-print tank top with a pleated, full-length fuchsia skirt that featured a thigh-high slit and plenty of sparkle.
Megan 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 mini dress featuring a summery paisley pattern in soft orange, punk, green and yellow. She paired the mini dress with bright yellow platform pumps with block heels.
Maxine Waters
U.S. representative Maxine Waters wore a lime green trouser suit and bright sand-colored shoes as she chatted with Shawn Wooden, Monique Idlett and Jabari Young at the festival’s Global Black Economy Forum.
Colman Domingo
“Euphoria” actor Colman Domingo, who will portray patriarch Joe Jackson in the upcoming Michael Jackson biopic “Michael,” attended the festival in an all-black outfit with white textured details.
The 30th annual Essence Cultural Festival in New Orleans was launched in 1995 to celebrate the 25th anniversary of “Essence” magazine. This year’s event features performances by Usher, Charlie Wilson, Big Boi and Janet Jackson, as well as in-depth forums on a variety of issues affecting the Black community.
Essence Festival 2024 Celebrity Red Carpet and Performance Photos, Live Updates: All Looks
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Launch Gallery: Essence Festival 2024 Celebrity Red Carpet and Performance Photos, Live Updates: All Looks
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