Larry Morrow has put his stake in the ground, saying he plans to create the "largest Black-owned hospitality group in the country."

Why it matters: It's a big goal anywhere, but Morrow is dedicated to building that legacy at home in New Orleans, a place with a traditionally hard time recognizing Black leadership in restaurants.

Between the lines: New Orleans, which once was home to the country's largest market for enslaved people, has a well-documented history of racial discrimination, a legacy evident today through a stark wealth gap between Black and white households.

• Over the centuries, Black hospitality workers have remained a constant, even while white chefs like Paul Prudhomme or Emeril Lagasse came to represent New Orleans cuisine on a national scale.
• But now, Morrow's goal comes as a new generation of Black chefs, bartenders and other hospitality pros are claiming a different narrative.

What he says: "Service industry, hotels, restaurants, bars — that is what New Orleans is made up of," Morrow tells Axios New Orleans. "When your foundation is strong, you can build whatever you want."

• "Historically, New Orleans didn't look this way when it pertains to hospitality, but it's home," he says. "I wouldn't want to start it anywhere but home."

Catch up quick: Morrow's first restaurant closed soon after opening, but he learned a lot from the experience and quickly started his own events business.

• Another restaurant followed, Morrow's, then Keith Lee favorite Monday, Sun Chong, Hide/Seek, Treehouse and the latest entry, Morrow Steak.
• Another project, Spicy Mango, is due open this fall.

What's next: Morrow is expanding his namesake restaurant, putting in a bigger kitchen, adding seating and giving it "a full makeover."

• But first, he's got a partnership with Essence Fest this week curating late-night entertainment. Get tickets.

Go deeper for Morrow's expansion plans beyond New Orleans

With Essence Fest back this weekend, it's a great opportunity to try out one of the amazing Black-owned restaurants downtown.

Here are some of our favorites.

• Chapter IV: Breakfast, brunch and lunch from the family who brought you Dooky Chase's.
• Compére Lapin: Caribbean food with a touch of New Orleans from celebrity chef Nina Compton.
• Li'l Dizzy's: Creole classics in a family-owned neighborhood joint. We love the gumbo.
• Fritai: A previous James Beard Award nominee, this spot is known for Haitian street food from chef Charly Pierre, who recently competed on Bravo's "Top Chef."
• Jewel of the South: Home to renowned bartender Chris Hannah and his classic and creative cocktails. Plus, this spot just won a James Beard Award.
• Vyoone's: French flavors in the Warehouse District from a family with deep New Orleans history.
• Headquarters by NGN: The brunch favorite Nice Guys has a new Poydras Street outpost. Look for regular events like jazz bands during happy hour and karaoke.
• I-tal Garden: Everything here is plant-based vegan comfort food, like veggie burgers, vegan mac and cheese, and gumbo.

Go deeper for more recommendations

🛢️ A Louisiana federal judge blocked the White House pause on new LNG export licenses to major markets, but the on-the-ground effects of the order are pretty hazy for now. (Axios)

• AG Liz Murrill applauded the order: "LNG has an enormous and positive impact on Louisiana, supplying clean energy for the entire world, and providing good jobs here at home."

🍗 Willie Mae's Scotch House will reopen in the former NOLA Caye space on Baronne Street. (NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune 🔒)

🪖 Louisiana National Guard engineers are deploying to Texas to assist with border security. (Louisiana Illuminator)

🌀 Hurricane Beryl is expected to hit Jamaica today and then slam into Cancun before entering the Gulf. (Latest track)

Celeb-spotting is a big attraction at Essence Fest.

Why it matters: The festival schedule is huge, so we dug into the details for some of the most fun celebrity appearances.

🎾 Serena Williams: See the tennis star during BeautyCon on Saturday at 1:45pm discussing the launch of her new clean beauty line, WYN.

• Plus, she's popping up at Ulta Beauty in Elmwood to celebrate the launch. Tickets.

🇺🇸 Vice President Kamala Harris: The veep returns to Essence Fest as all eyes (and all chatter) are on President Biden's debate performance.

• She talks with Essence Ventures CEO Caroline Wanga on Saturday at 5:15pm during the Global Black Economic Forum.
• Seating will be first come, first served. It will also be livestreamed.

⭐ Tabitha Brown: The actress and vegan food influencer will appear at the Essence Food and Wine Festival on Saturday at 12:20pm.

Bottom line: Keep your eyes peeled.

Go deeper for more celebs

🎇 Fireworks shows kick off tonight.

• Happy 3rd of July is in City Park. Fireworks are at 9pm at the Peristyle. (Full schedule)
• Uncle Sam Jam is at Lafreniere Park. Chapel Hart headlines. (Parking info)
• Go 4th on the River starts at 9pm tomorrow in downtown New Orleans. The water show is at 6:30pm. (Details)
• Go deeper for the full guide for Independence Day.

🖤 Essence Fest is packing the Superdome this week.

• Birdman, Juvenile and Mannie Fresh take the stage Friday with Busta Rhymes, T-Pain and The Roots. (Tickets)
• Usher performs Saturday with Method Man, Charlie Wilson, Big Boi and more. (Tickets)
• Janet Jackson closes out Sunday, with Tank and the Bangas, Ha Sizzle, Teedra Moses and more. (Tickets)

More things to do