Cable news network MSNBC will broadcast live coverage of the ESSENCE Festival’s headliners and newsmakers from Friday, July 5 to Sunday, July 7 in New Orleans. MSNBC hosts and contributors Rev. Al Sharpton, Tamron Hall, Melissa Harris-Perry, Chris Matthews, Alex Wagner, Chris Hayes and Joy Ann Reid will be in attendance. The network will also host a special fan experience for festival-goers. ESSENCE Communications Inc. President Michelle Ebanks and MSNBC President Phil Griffin announced the partnership today.
“MSNBC’s live programming during the ESSENCE Empowerment Experience, from the heart of the ESSENCE Festival, underscores their commitment to broaden the national reach and impact of conversations with thought-leaders, politicians, authors, celebrities and artists who will address the critical issues facing our communities—especially those of people of color and women,” said Ebanks.
“MSNBC is committed to community and conversation—everything the ESSENCE Festival represents, “said Griffin. “We’re proud to partner with ESSENCE to highlight the ideas and issues of value to our audiences.”
In addition to performances by Beyoncé, Maxwell, Jill Scott, Brandy, LL Cool J, Trey Songz, New Edition, Janelle Monáe and Jodi Watley to name a few, the ESSENCE Empowerment Experience Stage will feature inspiring seminars led by some of today’s well-known thinkers and leaders. The goal of the seminars is to shed light on the various dimensions of the African-American community and offer helpful information to improve women’s everyday lives.
This year’s ESSENCE Festival also includes the first-ever, free Family Reunion Day on Thursday, July 4, along with a special gospel tribute honoring icons Donnie McClurkin and Tramaine Hawkins.
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