Jul 7, 2025 - News

Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson surprises Essence Fest

Carlie Kollath Wells

Ketanji Brown Jackson wears a bright red suit and glasses holding a microphone, sitting in a modern white chair with a black pillow on a gray background. — Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson speaks onstage at the 2025 Essence Festival of Culture at Ernest N. Morial Convention Center on July 5, 2025, in New Orleans. Photo: Arturo Holmes/Getty Images for Essence

Another Essence Fest is in the books for New Orleans, complete with a few surprises and a little drama.

Why it matters: The nation's largest Black culture festival generates more than $300 million for the city's economy, organizers say.

The big picture: Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson was a welcome last-minute addition to the schedule, telling a standing-room only crowd at the convention center about her time so far at the highest court in the land.

At the Caesars Superdome, Lauryn Hill and Doug E. Fresh surprised the crowd.
And, Master P gave the final performance of his career Sunday night.

Singer on stage wearing a black and white polka dot outfit, large gold necklaces, black lace gloves, and a shiny black headwrap, holding a microphone with a band playing in the background. — Lauryn Hill performs during Essence Festival at the Caesars Superdome on Friday. Photo: Josh Brasted/Getty Images for Essence

Zoom in: Attendance levels were the talk of Essence.

Hotel bookings leading into the weekend were down compared with last year, which was the fest's 30th anniversary, writes Desiree Stennett with the Times-Picayune.
Mayor LaToya Cantrell tells Axios New Orleans in an exclusive interview Saturday that "the national narrative" affected festival sponsorship and travel interest. The city will work with the festival to improve next year, she says.
She spoke at several events, including one Sunday, where she told the audience being mayor goes from "celebration to crucifixion real fast," according to Fox 8.

Image shows people walking in front of an Essence sign. — This was the main entrance to Essence Fest at the convention center on Saturday. Image: Carlie Kollath Wells/Axios

Friction point: Attendees were upset about the pricing structure this year for the return of the popular Superlounges.

In the past, they were included with tickets. This year, they were only open for VVIP ticket holders, which attendees say wasn't explained early enough.
Essence organizers apologized on social media, saying they didn't get it right.

Attendees also had a lot to say about Target, one of Essence's major sponsors that's facing a national backlash after recently rolling back its DEI efforts.
Target had a massive, prominent exhibit at last year's festival with long lines to get in. This year, the now-pink installation was scaled back. Plus, protesters outside the convention center were encouraging attendees to skip it.