The 2023 ESSENCE Festival of Culture is set to begin Thursday, June 29th in the celebration capital of the United States — New Orleans. This year’s celebration of excellence, creativity and culture is headlined by live performances from Ms. Lauryn Hill, Missy Elliott and Megan Thee Stallion at Caesars Superdome. However, the celebration won’t stop there.
Disney is known for creating playgrounds of unbridled imagination and innovation at Disney World in Orlando and Disneyland in California. This weekend, they’ll be bringing their special magic to the city of New Orleans for a lineup of events led by appearances from LaKeith Stanfield, Rosario Dawson and Tiffany Haddish. Taking place all weekend long, Disney’s celebration of the “Power of Joy” will include a film festival, a Black author showcase, executive panels and a studio showcase led by the cast of Haunted Mansion. Not to mention, Good Morning America co-anchor Janai Norman will be reporting live on location and there will be an exclusive preview of the financial empowerment series, In The Black, with Phylicia Rashad.
“Disney is proud to return to the ESSENCE Festival of Culture as a major sponsor and showcase the magic happening across our brands,” Jill Estorino of Disney said.
“Through culture-defining storytelling, unforgettable experiences, and more, we are inviting everyone to experience first-hand ‘The Power of Joy’ and the many ways creativity, innovation, and contributions from Black culture are reflected across Disney.”
Last year, ESSENCE attracted nearly two million attendees. This year, they’re hoping to surpass the two million-person mark with an unparalleled celebration.
