Articles by: Monique Valeris

ESSENCE Festival alum Kourtney Heart shows us what true R&B—and love—is in her new single.

The latest news from ESSENCE Festival alums.

During the ESSENCE Festival, the Center Stage in the Convention Center was the place to meet ESSENCE editors and some of today's hottest celebrities and personalities. Check out who showed up.

One of our favorite soapstars of all time shares about her latest project, her takeaways from the ESSENCE Festival and joining in the new ESSENCE #HeIsNotASuspect campaign.

Inspiring leaders and entertainers from Al Sharpton to Niecy Nash shared their wisdom during the ESSENCE Festival's Empowerment Experience. Here's a taste of some of their best comments.

Let Brandy's trendy 2013 ESSENCE Festival outfits inspire you to bring new energy to your summer wardrobe.

Tune in to a "Steve Harvey Morning Show" segment featuring ESSENCE President Michelle Ebanks on the 2013 ESSENCE Festival.

The tragic case of Trayvon Martin came up during the ESSENCE Festival Empowerment Experience. Find out what a few speakers had to say.

Anthony David, Mint Condition and Kourtney Heart perform at the 2013 ESSENCE Festival.

Anthony David performs "Forever More" in the Ford Superlounge at the 2013 ESSENCE Festival.

Check out R&B singer Kourtney Heart perform at the 2013 ESSENCE Festival.

Watch Mint Condition's ESSENCE Festival performance of "Breakin' My Heart."

We delved into Instagram to find out the celebrities you had the chance to meet at the ESSENCE Festival.

Check out some of the vendors that caught our attention during the ESSENCE Festival in New Orleans.

Check out highlights from the Gospel Tribute at the 2013 ESSENCE Festival.

People from all over the country flocked to the ESSENCE Festival in New Orleans over July 4th weekend. Check out our best crowd shots from the big event.

ESSENCE Festival vendors discuss what the event has done for their business.

Emeli Sandé, Big Daddy Kane and Mint Condition performed in the Ford Superlounge during the 2013 ESSENCE Festival. Check out what they had to say about their performances.

We hit the Convention Center during the ESSENCE Festival to find out what you want to see at next year's 20th anniversary event. Here's what you had to say.