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October 22, 2022 - October 28, 2022 The Afro-American A5

Volume 123 No. 20–22 Volume 132 No. 50

THE BLACKwww.afro.com MEDIA AUTHORITY • AFRO.COM

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JULY 13, 2024 - JULY 19, 2024

AP Photo/Matthew Perschall

AP Photo/Amy Harris

Essence President and CEO Caroline Wanga leads (left) a discussion at the 2024 Essence Festival of Culture with Vice President Kamala Harris during a session titled, “Chief to Chief.” The Essence Festival took place once again in New Orleans and featured artists like Tarriona “Tank” Ball, who appeared with her group, Tank and the Bangas.

Essence Festival wraps up a four day celebration of Black culture By Chevel Johnson Rodrigue The Associated Press

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For 30 years, the Essence Festival of Culture has brought together people from all walks of life and from around the world to connect through conversation, shared experiences and, of course, music. The nation’s largest annual celebration of Black culture ended Sunday with musical performances by Janet Jackson and a special tribute to Frankie Beverly & Maze, the soul band that closed the event for the festival’s first 15 years. Beverly, now 77, has said he is stepping away from performing live, and the group has been on a farewell tour. Others performing included Victoria Monét, Teedra Moses, Tank and the Bangas, Dawn Richard, SWV, Jagged Edge, Bilal and

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Anthony Hamilton. Barkue Tubman-Zawolo, chief of staff, talent and diasporic engagement for Essence Ventures, told The Associated Press the festival helps connect the global Black community.

Caribbean. Understanding that allows our power to be even greater.” Tubman-Zawolo said those connections could be seen throughout this year’s Film Festival, held at the city’s convention center, where fans

“We have a foundation that’s been laid over 30 years. The city is always ready and prepared to host this event and more.” “Historically, as Black people, sometimes we’re not sure where our heritage comes from,” TubmanZawolo said. “America is just one place. But within America there’s a melting pot of different Black cultures: Africa, Latin, Europe, the

heard from storytellers from Nigeria, Ghana and the Caribbean “who are targeting our stories about us, for us, globally.” She noted similar connections through the Food and Wine stage, where discussions highlighted

Caribbean and African cuisine; the Soko Market Place, where vendors from all over the world shared their craft; and on the Caesars Superdome stage, which spotlighted Caribbean and African artists including Machel Montano of Trinidad. “All of that occurred over four days,” Tubman-Zawolo said. “But the beauty of it is, it doesn’t stay here. (Fans) take it with them.” New Orleans Mayor Latoya Cantrell said this year’s “We Love Us” theme was appropriate. “This whole ‘We Love Us’ theme brought us together to build communities,” she said. The festival’s impact on the city and state has surpassed $300 million, with more than 500,000 people visiting since 1994. Essence started the festival as

a way to celebrate 25 years of the magazine’s history. “The locals are being incorporated in a manner that we can see and touch and feel and smell. That has been a part of the evolution of Essence,” Cantrell said. The event’s current contract ends in 2026, but Essence Ventures CEO Caroline Wanga has said the festival’s “forever home” is New Orleans. “That’s what we believe as well,” Cantrell said. “We have a foundation that’s been laid over 30 years. The city is always ready and prepared to host this event and more. I think staying in New Orleans is the best fit and best marriage, the best partnership.” This article was originally published by The Associated Press.

Majority of House Democrats support Biden, despite calls to withdraw from 2024 presidential election

Biden and Trump. During the debate, Biden was spotted repeatedly with a blank stare throughout the 90-minute segment, leaving Several Democratic members of some to question whether the president is the U.S. House of Representatives are struggling with Alzheimer’s Disease or a demanding that President Joe Biden dementia related condition. withdraw from the presidential race over Following the debate, Biden met with health concerns. Democratic governors and blamed his U.S. Reps. Lloyd Doggett, (D-Tx.), performance on his travel schedule, a minor Raúl Grijalva, (D-Az.), Seth Moulton,(Dcold and a lack of sleep. Mass.), Mike Quigley, (D-Ill.), Angie He also told them he would no longer Craig, (D-Minn.) Mike Sherrill, (D-N.J.) schedule events after 8 p.m. to ensure that he and Adam Smith, (D-Wash.) are doubtful gets rest. that Biden has what it takes to carry out Despite some members calling into another presidential term. question whether Biden has the ability to They have suggested replacements serve, the majority of Democratic leaders for Biden which include, Vice President and elected officials in the U.S. House of Kamala Harris, California Governor Gavin Representatives have thrown their support Newsom, U.S. Secretary of Transportation behind the president. Maryland Gov. Wes Pete Buttigieg, Michigan Governor Moore and Congressman Kweisi Mfume (DGretchen Whitmer and Illinois Governor Md.-07) have expressed support for Biden J.B. Pritzker. staying on the campaign trail and completing However, Biden has repeatedly said he another term as president. AP Photo/Evan Vucci will not step aside. U.S. Rep. Dan Goldman, (D-N.Y.) Democratic members of Congress continue to support While on the campaign trail in believes Biden should remain on the President Joe Biden, despite calls for him to withdraw from Wisconsin on July 5, Biden confirmed he is the presidential race. Democratic ticket. still running for re-election and will “win “Joe Biden has been an outstanding again” against former President Donald Trump. president who has preserved and protected our democracy at home and abroad,” U.S. Hank Johnson, (D-Ga.) said the backlash Biden is facing stems from the said Goldman. “The candidate who should be dropping out of this race is the “bad debate performance,” seen last month, however it will “blow over.” Still, twice impeached convicted felon who has vowed to destroy our democracy.” Congressional members who believe Biden is no longer fit to serve as president Rep. Johnson said he supports the president, however, if Biden were to step are encouraging voters to look at alternative candidates. down and Vice President Harris were to run for office, he would support her as On June 27, CNN’s Jake Tapper and Dana Bash moderated a debate between Continued on A5 By Ashlee Banks Special to the AFRO