Google shined their light over the weekend with three signature events that were all hosted at the Chicory: a Women’s Entrepreneurial Luncheon, a “Big Easy” Business Mixer hosted by the radio personality Angela Yee, and a Black Women’s Leadership Dinner which included a special appearance by Chance the Rapper and a performance from first time BET award winner Solange’s new neo-soul group called “Ladies of King”.
Fox Searchlight’s new documentary STEP also made an appearance at the festival as well. The Lethal Ladies of the Baltimore Leadership School for Young Women were prepped and ready for the “Welcome to Essence” Meet and Greet reception located at the Le Meridien Hotel. Some accommodating press and influencers like April Reign, who created the #OscarsSoWhite Hashtag, Henry Hicks, who is the president of the National Museum of African American Music, Janaye Ingram, who is the Women’s March/AirBNB Diversity Officer, and also the Executive Director of the National Museum of African American Music, Lolita Toney were all attendees.
But wait, there was more!
The STEP cast participated in the Walmart Community Parade, performed a step show at the convention center, held a post-screening Q&A accompanied by radio personality Bevy Smith and finally ended all of the events with an exciting flash mob performance that was presented by Michaela Angela Davis and also My Black Is Beautiful.
FX Networks were in the building and promoted their new series entitled “Snowfall” for a small group of influencers and press on Saturday.
OWN brought out both of the casts from some of their hit shows called “The Haves and the Have Nots”, “Queen Sugar”, and “Greenleaf” for fans pleasure with showing screen clips, doing interviews, and etc.
The new film “Girls Trip” was presented in a private screening by iOne Digital and HelloBeautiful.com in their partnership with NISSAN. The cast members were there to help introduce the film along with Hello Beautiful editors Allison McGevna, Keyaira Kelly, and Shamika Sanders who accommodated the guests.
