Essence Fest 2023: Reflections on the Restorative Power of Black Women 

I’m writing this on the heels of a restorative trip to New Orleans, where I convened with Black women from across the country for the 2023 Essence Festival of Culture. One of the things I love most about Essence Fest is how much it highlights the diversity of the Black experience. Where else can we vibe to artists like Jill Scott and Big Boi AND have frank conversations about the future of our democracy? Once again, the celebration reminded attendees why its moniker is the “party with a purpose.” 

The first word that comes to mind when I reflect on our panel— “The Torchbearers of Democracy: Black Women Building the Future We Deserve”—is phenomenal.  

Moderated by Editor-in-Chief of The 19th Errin Haines, the conversation featured Texas Organizing Project Co-Executive Director Brianna Brown, CBS political contributor Ashley Etienne, Florida House Rep. Michele Rayner-Goolsby, and Dēmos’ very own Chief of Programs Angela Hanks. The conversation ranged from book bans and voter purges, to ways Black women are organizing and fighting back in states across the South. We talked about how necessary it is to find a political and organizing home, how to work with our existing systems to dismantle them and create the ones we need, and why cultural relevancy is critical to the success of our work.  

I never cease to be amazed by how much power exists when Black women come together to reflect on where we’ve been, analyze where we are, and strategize on where we need to go. Too often, the work of Black women is overlooked or even outright disrespected. But in our event audience, I saw overcomers. I saw a legacy of fighting in the movements for abolition and women’s suffrage and civil rights. I saw dreamers, visionaries, and architects of a just, inclusive, multiracial America. I looked around the room and was reminded of the fundamental truth—proven throughout this nation’s history—that there is no progress without Black women. 

As the United States once again faces great challenges, spaces like the one we created in New Orleans give me hope. They remind me that, even in the face of white supremacy and unchecked capitalism, my sisters continue to show up and show out for the sake of our democracy. From organizers who fought for fair redistricting maps in Alabama to groups working to empower Black women like our partner Mothering Justice, Black people all across America—despite bearing the brunt of what is—persist in pushing toward what could be. In moments of despair, we find strength in one another. We love one another. We care for one another. And in the powerful words of Rep. Rayner-Goolsby, we fundamentally believe that “…community care looks like voting. Community care looks like organizing your community.” 

If there’s a key takeaway that sums up my experience at Essence Fest 2023, it’s that taking care of our democracy and one another is an active process. I am perpetually encouraged by the fact that Black women—against all odds—continue to engage in it.