By Karu F. Daniels, AOL Black Voices
Today, The 13th Annual Essence Music Festival -- also known as "the party with a purpose" -- officially kicked off in New Orleans.
During a morning press conference, where major blue chip sponsors such as McDonald's, Chevy, Coca Cola, Sony and Wal-mart publicly presented 'Essence' magazine's top-tier staffers with lavish gifts, New Orleans chief Mayor Ray Nagin, who gave the black media giant the key to the city and a special proclamation, imparted a message of hope for the future of his city -- which was ravaged by Hurricane Katrina in 2005.
"This party with a purpose this year is extra, extra special," he said. "I want to publicly thank 'Essence' and all of the leadership that has been working hard to fashion a partnership, an economic partnership and a spiritual partnership that is for the betterment for our entire country."
Nagin added, "When people see all of us come together this weekend, they are going to see a city on a rebound, they are going to see a community, a family across the nation saying to the world that New Orleans is special and it deserves more support as it continues to struggle and rebound from the greatest devastation that any city has gone through."
He also revealed details of a meeting that he and 'Essence' Editorial Director Susan L. Taylor attended yesterday along with political leaders from across the nation. Plans for a national day of solidarity on Aug. 29 were hatched, because "we matter in New Orleans and we matter all across the country and more importantly, we care."
Shortly after the lengthy, bullet-point heavy press conference, McDonald's kicked off their own celebration of the EssenceFest's return to the Crescent City with a spirited Mardi Gras-themed event, including a brass band, second line steppers, feathered Indians, tarot card readers, psychics and artists. The reception's theme, with a backdrop of New Orleans landmark Café DuMonde brought in a makeshift essence of true life fun in The Big Easy.
See live clip below ...
Continuing their commitment to celebrating African American culture all year around via their momentous 365 Black campaign -- and not in certain spurts, as others tend to do -- McDonald's also celebrated the accomplishments of four outstanding business and community leaders during their 365 Black Awards, which took place this afternoon at the Convention Center.
Children's Defense Fund founder and president Marian Wright Edeleman, global charity leader Linda Dunham, community supporter Roy Griggs and Essence Communications President Michelle Ebanks were this year's honorees at the event hosted by former CBS News anchor Rene Syler.
Grammy Award winning gospel music sensation Smokie Norful offered a heart-felt blessing and local act Rebirth Brass Band provided the entertainment.
"[We] recognize pioneering individuals who make significant contributions in the areas of children's well-being, education and outreach to the African American community every single day of the year," said McDonald's USA President Don Thompson -- who ,surprisingly, is black!!!
No wonder all of the new Micky Dees campaigns have so much flavor ... I'm lovin' that!!!
"The lives and life work of each of our honorees truly demonstrate what it means to be deeply rooted in the community," he added.
Ebanks, who is recognized as being "at the helm of a magazine that is 'home' to an audience who represents a gateway to $761 billion in African-American purchasing power, is a native of Dayton, Ohio and is a married mother of two who holds a bachelor's degree in business administration from the University of Florida.
"I am honored and I can't believe I am here and sharing the same stage with the fellow honorees. Thank you very much," Ebanks said as she accepted the award. "For leaders much is given and much is expected, and you demonstrate corporate citizenship every single day and from where I sit at 'Essence' magazine and Essence Communications, your commitment to the African American community is greatly acknowledged and greatly appreciated," she added.
Ebanks also acknowledged former Essence Communications CEO Edward Lewis who mentored her and coached her in her professional career.
Past honorees of the 365 Black Awards include civil rights leader Rev. Jesse Jackson, Sr., advertising maverick Thomas J. Burrell, Congresswoman Maxine Waters and radio personality Tom Joyner.
Later in the afternoon, the party with a purpose continued when new-school R&B crooner Bobby Valentino turned out the lower level of the Convention Center with a mini concert at the McDonald's soundstage.
See live clip below...
Comments: (14)
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By: Debbie on 7/09/2007 7:35AM
I am so happy New Orleans is back on
the road to a slow recovery.
HOWEVER...I AM SICKENED EVERY TIME I SEE
MAYOR NAGIN AND THAT SHEEPISH GRIN ON HIS
FACE ALWYS WILLING TO TAKE THE CREDIT...WHEN
OTHERS COME TO THE AID OF A CITY...
(LIKE THE JAZZ FESTIVAL AND OTHER STAR EVENTS
IN NEW ORLEANS),
WHEN HE HAD A CHANCE TO HAVE A "STARRING" ROLE
IN SAVING THE LIVES OF ALL THOSE BLACK FOLKS
THAT DIED NEEDLESSLY.
HOW DID THIS SELFISH, EGOTISTICAL MAN GET
RE-ELECTED???
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By: Dee Dee Brown on 7/09/2007 9:49AM
I attended the Essence Music Festival and it truly was "A Party With A Purpose".
My husband and I were also in town to attend his class reunion and the Essence Festival. He attended Carver Hi School in the ninth ward. Carver High School still has not reopened. A lot of his classmates were misplaced by Katrina and they saw a need to get together. The weekend was really special seeing old frinds and making new ones.
What a wonderful feeling having 200,000 African Americans come to a city speding millions of dollars and in the process havaing a good time. I met people from all over the United States who came to New Orleans to help the city get back on its feet and what better way than economic power.
Everone was speaking to each other (something many African Americans do not do at home) exchanging hugs. We must carry this feeling home with us and continue the Party with a Purpose in our own communities.
I can't wait until next year!
Dee Dee Brown
Los Angeles
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By: sherri on 7/09/2007 9:07AM
i will never go back to that city until the people get straight,until they have their homes back, its not fair that people can spend their money partying when these people are still basicly homeless and still after 2 yrs are not together as of yet, its sorry and its not fair. its the people that make new orleans and i think they should get those people together first,that should be the first thing to happen
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By: Negrabella on 7/10/2007 10:00PM
I think it was great that they held the music festival there more money into NO.
And lets remember that many people received money to go back and rebuild there homes. but chose to spend the money on other things. I saw this first hand I live in a area where many NO resident live and they have bought cars and trucks with the money there were supposed to go back build there homes with. They also had a special on 60mins where many other communities were present at the town hall meeting and fought to go back and build up there neighborhoods. United they stood and was granted there communities back. Also on the 60 min's piece one NO resident said that home depot was giving materials for free. this particular community is 90% done with the rebuild. Most of there stores and homes are finished. And this is because they came together and was heard as one. Sometimes you have to think that many don't want to go back they like where they reside now
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By: Negrabella on 7/09/2007 9:42AM
"i will never go back to that city until the people get straight,until they have their homes back, its not fair that people can spend their money partying when these people are still basicly homeless and still after 2 yrs are not together as of yet, its sorry and its not fair. its the people that make new orleans and i think they should get those people together first,that should be the first thing to happen " Sherri
Sherri I don't think they should get anyone together, if you want to be part of something why should anyone look for you. it should be more of I want to do it.If the people of New Orkeans wanted to they would be back and making it happen. The people that want to make a difference in New orleans are there making a difference. remember the news just likes to advertise only the neg.
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By: Ruby on 7/09/2007 11:00AM
I went on fridays show. Loved every minute of it. I went to the convention center and also to the 106(504)&Park tapings. This was my first but not last essence. Living in New Orleans and being black I had always heard about Essence fest and how everyone loves it and most come back every year. While half the city is still affected and we lost some of our fest regulars (i.e. Luther, Gerald) it was the best experience Ive had. But the greatest thing of all was seeing so many beautiful black folks in one room. Down here in New Orleans, we see you walking down the street we talk to you. Carver, Kennedy, and Fortier (high schools) had the best bands! I miss them this parade season.
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By: Jennifer on 7/09/2007 2:26PM
This was my first experience with the Essence Fest, and I felt encouraged and empowered to be in a position to partake in the festivities. I attended a concert every night the performances were awesome, the people were awesome, and the food was phenomenal. I intend to make it a yearly event with all of my best girlfriends, I have already asked many of my family members to attend along with me next year. It was vitaly important to me to be able to use my dollars in the businesses there to assist with contributing to their financial bottom line.
I realize there remains a great deal of poverty and work to do, however I am assured that as time progresses change will occur. As an educator I am happy that over 40,000 children will be returning to school in the fall! My prayers will remain with NO until I can visit next year!
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By: Lynn Magnuson on 7/09/2007 2:34PM
Hello Folks;
I LIVE in New Orleans now, having relocated after finding such a warm and welcoming music culture. I'm an acoustic blues and gospel musician (sing/play guitar). All I can say is that folks staying AWAY from New Orleans is not how to bring the people home. We all need to give this amazing city our business and our love, and at the same time, demand that the government pay for those they evacuated to be able to return home and help them rebuild their homes (or find new ones for them). Since when is a hurricane evacuation a one way ticket out of town! The government gives convicts tickets to their home after their time is up, and brings soldiers/sailers/airmen home after their time is up, so what about it???? But then George W. Bush is president which definitely puts a whole new focus on everything :(
Just saying come back to New Orleans, not just for a party at the Superdome, but for the life this amazing city has to offer. And if you're a musician or an artist ... beware! You might never LEAVE!!!!
Lynn in New Orleans
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By: Michelle from New Orleans on 7/10/2007 9:51AM
In response to Negrabella, the residents of New Orleans that received money were not homeowners. I am a homeoner in New Orleans and did not receive anything from FEMA besides the initial $2000.00. Most of the people who received those $15,000 checks everyone is referring to were people had had lived off the system their entire lives. Homeowners were left to their own capacities to get their homes and businesses back up and running. Don't take for granted that all residents received that particular perk from the government. My government did nothing for me in trying to stabalize my family and my business. We need events like the Essence Festival to focus on the recovery and to let the nation know that much is stll needed in the area. Just as our government failed in keeping the city of New Orleans save, beware that your city or town could be next.
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By: Tee on 7/09/2007 9:15PM
I attended the Essence Music Festival this past weekened. I was amazed at the comradary exchanged between my people. I was saddened by the progress or lack there of. I was inspired by the seminars, filled with hope that we can overcome this tragedy. At times I was angry, Angry that my people were treated like this for a second time. I am still very angry that we are all going on with our lives as if things are okay. I feel like the world needs to stop. Everyone needs to stop what they are doing and make sure New Orleans is rebuilt.
I had the opportunity to see where the Levees broke. I toured several places that were affected by the huricane other than the Ninth Ward. The difference is, in the areas in which there were millions dollar homes destroyed by the hurricane- they are rebuilding. Whereas, when you drive down the Ninth Ward and neighboring streets, there is no rebuilding. There are no construction people fixing homes.
I saw the trailers sitting on peoples lawn. I even saw the words written on top of a roof "Help Us". It brought back the horrible scences that were splashed on the tv screens two years ago.
I think people should come down to New Orleans. It is brining money into the economy. By boycotting New Orleans, you don't help the people of New Orleans.
You can still see the water damage on the side of the homes. You can see how high the water actually came up on the homes. You see the roof tops where people busted their way to get out.
My question is this. How is it that the victims of 911 have been compensated financially for their loss ( i mean compensated right NOW). Yet, the victims of Hurricane Katrina are still waiting for help.
How is it that the victims of 911 have obtained financial compensation and are in a position to purchase new homes, move away, attend graduate school, college, medical school, etc for free or reduced tuition. They were given all FINANCIAL means to deal with their sudden and unexpected loss yet victims of Hurricane Katrina are living in trailers with no electricity, living in homes which are contaminated???
BLACK PEOPLE HAVE SUFFERED TOO MUCH FOR THIS COUNTRY. TOO MANY COINCIDENCES IN MY OPINION.
LAND OF THE FREE? HOW FREE?
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