ESSENCE Fest Flashback: The 25 Most Unforgettable Moments From The Year’s Biggest Celebration Of Black Culture
By Essence ·

The 2019 ESSENCE Fest celebration saw the Festival expand to its’ biggest footprint ever across the beloved city of New Orleans. As a result, the weekend brought us an endless number of amazing moments from across multiple experiences that will surely be remembered for years to come.

Scroll through to join us as we reminisce and highlight some of our favorite moments from the 25th anniversary ESSENCE Festival celebration. Which moments were your faves?

01
Forever First Lady Michelle Obama Makes Her ESSENCE Festival Debut
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - JULY 06: A conversation with Michelle Obama takes place during the 2019 ESSENCE Festival at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on July 06, 2019 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Erika Goldring/Getty Images)
02
The Power Cast Brings The ESSENCE Fest Audience An Exclusive First Look At The Season 6 Trailer
ESSENCE FEST 2019 - POWER CAST PANEL - SATURDAY - LELA LOREN, JOSEPH SIKORA, OMARI HARDWICK, ROTIMI, LARENZ TATE
03
Missy Elliott Puts On The Show Of A Lifetime
04
The 2020 Presidential Candidates Take The Stage
05
ESSENCE FEST 2019 - BEAUTY CARNIVAL - SATURDAY
ESSENCE FEST 2019 - BEAUTY CARNIVAL - SATURDAY - JULY 6 2019
06
Pharrell Joins His Mentor Teddy Riley Onstage For An Epic Performance
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - JULY 07: Teddy Riley and Pharrell Williams perform onstage during the 2019 ESSENCE Festival Presented By Coca-Cola at Louisiana Superdome on July 07, 2019 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Bennett Raglin/Getty Images for ESSENCE)
07
Marsai Martin Delivers A Word
Marsai Martin at Essence Beauty Carnival in 2019.
08
The Exonerated Five Enjoy The Festivities
attend the 2019 ESSENCE Festival at the Superdome
09
The First-Ever ESSENCE After Dark After Party Series Was The Move All Weekend Long
Chris Mitchell
10
The Trailblazer Of A Generation Mesmerizes The Crowd
11
The ESSENCE Fashion House Is Born
12
Jermaine Dupri Brings ATL To NOLA
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - JULY 07: Nelly, Jermaine Dupri and Lil Jon perform onstage during the 2019 ESSENCE Festival Presented By Coca-Cola at Louisiana Superdome on July 07, 2019 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Bennett Raglin/Getty Images for ESSENCE)
13
The All-New ESSENCE Wellness House Feeds The Mind, Body And Soul
ESSENCE FEST 2019 JULY 6, 2019 - WELLNESS HOUSE - SATURDAY
14
Patti LaBelle Gives The ESSENCE Fest Audience A Vocal Treat
Patti LaBelle. During the Essence Festival 2019 in New Orleans, Louisiana on Friday, July 5, 2019. (Photo by {credit}
15
Rotimi Serenades The Crowd
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - JULY 05: Singer/actor Rotimi performs onstage during the 2019 ESSENCE Festival at Louisiana Superdome on July 05, 2019 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images,)
16
Kofi Siriboe Power Stage Tout Video
17
Ledisi And Luke James Pay Homage To A Music Legend
18
Jemele Hill Speaks Her Truth
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - JULY 05: Tamron Hall and Jemele Hill speak at 2019 ESSENCE Festival Presented By Coca-Cola at Ernest N. Morial Convention Center on July 05, 2019 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for ESSENCE)
19
Ginuwine Shuts It Down Twice In One Night
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - JULY 07: Timbaland and Ginuwine perform in concert during 2019 ESSENCE Festival at Louisiana Superdome on July 07, 2019 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images,)
20
Indya Moore Makes ESSENCE Fest History
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - JULY 05: Cori Murray and Indya Moore speak on stage at 2019 ESSENCE Festival Presented By Coca-Cola at Ernest N. Morial Convention Center on July 05, 2019 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for ESSENCE)
21
Common Leaves A Lasting Mark On A Milestone Celebration
During the Essence Festival 2019 in New Orleans, Louisiana on Friday, July 5, 2019. (Photo by {credit}
22
Normani Brings Her A Game For Her Festival Debut
allthingsdante
23
Essence E-Suite Helps Our Boss Ladies Take Things To The Next Level
During the Essence Fesitval 2019 Convention Center held at the Roosevelt Hotel in New Orleans, Louisiana on Friday, July 5, 2019. (Photo by .
24
Yung Miami Holds It Down
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - JULY 07: Yung Miami of City Girls performs at the 25th Essence Festival at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on July 07, 2019 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Josh Brasted/FilmMagic)
25
Frankie Beverly Receives A Deserving Honor
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - JULY 07: Frankie Beverly and Edward Lewis speak onstage 2019 ESSENCE Festival at Louisiana Superdome on July 07, 2019 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images,)
26
The Inaugural ESSENCE Global Black Economic Forum Sets The Stage For Greatness
During the Essence Fesitval 2019 Convention Center held at the Roosevelt Hotel in New Orleans, Louisiana on Friday, July 5, 2019. (Photo by .
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