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Home · 2014 ESSENCE Festival

Athletes at ESSENCE Festival

Everyone knows ESSENCE Festival brings out the best singers, actors, and inspirational speakers. But athletes get in on the action, too.
By Eb the Celeb · Updated October 27, 2020
01
James Harden

It wasn’t fair when Harden used Kevin Hart as an arm rest, but it’s all in good fun at the festival.

Athletes at ESSENCE Festival
02
Devon Thomas

It’s always good to have some eye candy. NFL wide receiver Devin Thomas is pictured here with actor Darrin Henson in the Convention Center.

Athletes at ESSENCE Festival
03
Alonzo Mourning

Mourning shows love to a fan in the Convention Center.

Athletes at ESSENCE Festival
Johnny Nunez
04
Jackie Joyner Kersee

In the Ernest Morial Convention Center in 2013, we burned calories and got heathly living tips from Olympian Jackie Joyner Kersee.

Athletes at ESSENCE Festival
05
Dwyane Wade

The 3-time NBA champion seemed to enjoy himself at the festival in 2009. No surprise there, as Beyoncé was the headliner.

Athletes at ESSENCE Festival
Kevin Kwan
06
Chris Paul

Paul played ball in New Orleans at the time this photo was taken in 2008, so he’s no stranger to ESSENCE Festival fun.

Athletes at ESSENCE Festival
Scott Legato
07
Ed Hartwell

The former football player spoke on our ‘Love and Happiness’ panel in 2010.

Athletes at ESSENCE Festival
Andrew Goetz
08
Lebron James

Miami Heat star Lebron James posed for the camera with Rev. Al Sharpton in 2008.

Athletes at ESSENCE Festival
Scott Legato
09
Magic Johnson

In July 2005, one month before Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans, Johnson took to the Empowerment stage and gave a prescient speech about building wealth despite the odds. It’s one of the many reasons he was inducted into our ESSENCE Festival Empowerment Hall Of Fame.

Athletes at ESSENCE Festival
Peter Nakhid
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