Essence Festival 2025 Was a Masterclass in Black Woman Excellence

Keke Palmer ,Essence Festival 2025. Photo Source: Jasmine McClain

If the 2025 ESSENCE Festival of Culture® Presented by Coca-Cola® proved anything, it’s this: Black women are the culture, and we run it, too. From star-studded panels to sold-out concerts and brand activations buzzing with purpose, this year’s festival pulsed with entrepreneurial energy and cultural pride.

On Sunday, July 6th, Essence wrapped up its daytime experiences with a power-packed lineup featuring Keke Palmer, Master P, Yandy Smith, Sheryl Swoopes, Kandi Burruss, Kim Coles, Erika Alexander, and more. These weren’t just appearances; they were blueprints. Each woman shared stories of ownership, advocacy, and showing up boldly in every room.

Photo Source: Jasmine McClain

The business-minded crowd soaked it all in, from Kandi Burruss’ insights on creative ownership to Yandy Smith’s commitment to activism and wellness. These are women who do it all: raise families, run businesses, and raise the bar for what’s possible.

One standout panel featured Reginae Carter, Zonnique Pullins and the OMG Girlz, who joined the If Not For My Girls panel to talk friendship, fame, and fearlessness. What made it even more special? A live giveaway that sent one lucky fan on an all-expense-paid trip to their show taping. For brands and founders watching, this was a lesson in fan engagement done right.

Evening vibes didn’t disappoint either. Boyz II Men headlined a concert that was both nostalgic and timeless, while Master P delivered a powerful farewell performance. Add in a Waiting to Exhale curation by Adam Blackstone and a heartfelt tribute to Quincy Jones, and the weekend closed on a note of deep reverence for Black excellence.

Essence Festival 2025 reminded us: when Black women gather, whether to build, brainstorm, or just be, something transformational happens.