There will be no Essence Festival in New Orleans this year

Every year thousands flock to New Orleans for Mardi Gras and The Essence Festival. While I have been in attendance for both, The Essence Fest was by far the best event I've attended in N.O. and I vowed to go back. I won't be able to fulfill that vow this year though and neither will you because The Essence Festival has officially been canceled, in the traditional sense that is. The major of New Orleans has declared that there will be no large gatherings in New Orleans this year and Essence fully supports that decision.Instead they have announced the ‘ESSENCE Benefit Series to Fight COVID-19’ which will raise money and provide support for businesses and organizations in Black communities across the country. There first-ever ESSENCE Festival of Culture: The Virtual Edition will take place over July 4th weekend. To get the deets click here https://www.essence.com/v1festival2020/