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ESSENCE's Festival of Culture

ESSENCE's Festival of Culture

ESSENCE's Festival of Culture is a renowned event that celebrates Black culture and brings together thought leaders, creators, and entertainers from around the world. This year's festival highlights the impact and brilliance of the #BlackTikTok community, features panel discussions on various topics, and includes an IRL TikTok pop-up experience. Select panel sessions and programming will be livestreamed for those unable to attend in person. Throughout the weekend, there will also be in-app programming on TikTok for the hashtag #BlackJoy. ESSENCE Festival is a platform where Black creators continue to inspire mainstream culture and shape the future of entertainment.

Panel Discussions

  • The Power of #BlackTikTok

    • Moderated by #BlackTikTok Creator Community Manager Alexzi Girma
    • Trailblazing creators like Ariana Taylor and James Henry will share their insights on shaping the entertainment industry and defining what's next for Black culture.
    • Date: Friday, July 1st

  • #BlackOwnedEverything

    • Focuses on supporting and investing in Black-owned fashion brands
    • Prominent voices from #BlackFashionTikTok, including Pierrah Hilaire and Nydia Twitty, will discuss the role of TikTok in creating more access and representation for Black voices in the fashion industry.
    • Date: Friday, July 1st

  • Wellness is Resistance

    • Highlights the importance of wellness and self-care in the Black community
    • Prominent wellness advocates and mental health experts, such as Morgan Lynzi and Shani Tran, will share their experiences and insights on using TikTok to promote self-care and wellness for Black communities.
    • Date: Sunday, July 3rd

IRL TikTok Pop-up Experience

ESSENCE Festival will feature an IRL TikTok pop-up experience at ESSENCE House inside the Virgin Hotel. Festival-goers will have the opportunity to engage with various activities inspired by beauty, wellness, and food trends on TikTok.

Livestreamed Sessions

For those unable to attend the festival in person, select panel sessions and programming will be livestreamed on ESSENCE Studio. This includes the mainstage panel moments of TikTok, such as "The Power of #BlackTikTok" and "#BlackOwnedEverything." Additionally, there will be a TikTok LIVE interview series hosted by @ESSENCE, featuring LGBTQ+ Trailblazer DeAndre Brown and singer-songwriter Ashanti.

In-App Programming on TikTok

Throughout the weekend, there will also be in-app programming on TikTok for the hashtag #BlackJoy. This will allow users to discover behind-the-scenes content and highlights from creators attending ESSENCE Festival. Follow @BlackTikTok and @TikTokCreators for updates and highlights from the festival.

Conclusion

ESSENCE Festival is a platform where Black creators continue to inspire mainstream culture and shape the future of entertainment through their creativity and storytelling. This year's festival promises to be an exciting celebration of Black voices and culture. Whether attending in person or tuning in online, everyone is invited to join in the festivities and be a part of this incredible event.

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