Rihanna gets ready to rock out on the Superdome stage with some of her hit songs, including “Umbrella.”
New Orleans mayor Ray C. Nagin greets Louisiana native Tyler Perry after giving him the Key to the City.
Actresses Lynn Whitfield, left, Cassi Davis, Tasha Smith, and Keshia Knight Pulliam pose with “Extra on ESSENCE” host Tanika Ray.
CNN correspondent Soledad O’Brien takes a break from leading the Empowerment Seminar CNN and Essence Presents: Black in America.
Singer Solange Knowles, ESSENCE’s Beauty Director Mikki Taylor, and Hollywood correspondent Shaun Robinson pose with actress and Vaseline spokeswoman Sanaa Lathan.
Solange Knowles steals a kiss from son Daniel backstage.
Solange Knowles son Daniel shows he’s a rock star in training.
Lynn Whitfield freshens up before making her next appearance at the Essence Empowerment Seminars.
R&B heartthrob Chris Brown, making his second appearance at the festival, gets ready to perform on the main stage.
ESSENCE relationship columnist Finesse Mitchell reps his hometown Atlanta alongside main stage performer J. Holiday.
Rapper turned actor Bow Wow makes an appearance at the Louisiana Superdome to show his support for the festival.
Activist Rev. Al Sharpton and NBA All-Star LeBron James chill behind the scenes.
Do Right Man Lance Gross and NBA star Chris Paul hang in the Superlounge.
Danity Kane’s D. Woods joins the party.
