essence festival
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The Glow Up Goes to NOLA, Day 4: Maybe My Mascara Should Run for President
No, Michelle Obama is not running for president, y’all. But we all know that if she did have the inclination, she’d have the coveted black female vote on lock. In fact, of all the headliners in Essence Festival weekend, it was our forever first lady who packed the Louisiana Superdome to the rafters when she…
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The Glow Up Goes to NOLA, Day 3: That Voodoo That Essence Fest Do
As our days in New Orleans progress, it’s easier and easier to see why the Essence Festival has chosen the city has its home for almost all of its 25 years. Aside from the beauty, history, and incredible food, there is an unparalleled warmth and hospitality among its people, who have made us feel welcome…
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Missy Elliott Performed at Essence Fest and We Are All Better Because of It
Last night, my life was changed. I witnessed Melissa “Missy” Arnette Elliott perform and the quality of my existence has been upgraded for the better. I type this to you in lieu of voice because I spent a good 30-plus minutes screaming the hits that Missy was ever so kind enough to give us all…
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The Glow Up Goes to NOLA, Day 2: How to Eat Your Way Through New Orleans
If, by chance, you find yourself in New Orleans during the July 4th weekend, there are certain things you simply must do: check out the Essence Festival, catch the fireworks display over the Mississippi River, stumble upon a second line and/or live jazz in the French Quarter while sipping a “go cup,” and eat. On…
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The Glow Up Goes to NOLA: How Do You Dress for Essence Fest?
I’ve traveled the world and been to multiple parts of the Caribbean and Africa, but I don’t think I’ve never been on a plane as black as the one I boarded to attend Essence Fest. For our Big Beauty Tuesday regulars who were looking for their weekly installment this week, I have my best excuse…
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How to Throw a 25-Year Party: Why Essence Festival Is Your Faves’ Favorite Event of the Year
What makes a great party? No, I mean a really great party; the kind people look forward to, year after year. This Fourth of July weekend, we’re going to find out; we’re traveling to New Orleans to join our play cousins at Essence for the 25th-anniversary celebration of their legendary festival. While it’s not The…
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30 Days of Musical Blackness With VSB, Day 22: Mark Morrison, ‘Return of the Mack’
Today is the 22nd day of June, in the year of our Lord, 2019. Since the year of our Lord 1996 I’ve been preaching the same (debatably controversial) gospel: Mark Morrison’s “Return of the Mack” is one of the greatest songs ever created. I stand firm and pat on this statement. Mark Morrison “Return Of…
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Three Times a Lady: When I Grow Up, I Want to Be Like Iman (or Ciara, or Teyana, or…)
How do you celebrate 25 years of hosting the biggest celebration of black womanhood in the world? If you’re Essence magazine, you mark the spirit of the summer festival season by featuring three dynamically different beauties on your covers—all with a common gift for killing the game. Is the eternal slay of the iconic Iman…
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It's a Beautiful Weekend to Be at the Essence Beauty Carnival!
Here at The Glow Up, we are firm believers in taking downtime when and wherever we can get it. But this weekend has presented us an opportunity to turn up that we simply couldn’t miss, as Essence kicks off its inaugural Beauty Carnival tour in New York City on April 27th & 28th! Making the…