08/19/2022
After a two-year hiatus, Essence Fest announced its return to New Orleans!
We were thrilled to partner with the HBO multicultural marketing team to bring Scene in Black to NOLA for the first time ever, producing six experiences celebrating Black stories and storytellers on HBO and HBO Max.
From a welcome mixer curated by Edward Buckles Jr., director of the upcoming HBO Katrina Babies to an HBO Max POV Seated Brunch and Panel spotlighting HBO Max behind the scenes talent: Syreeta Singleton, Rikki Hughes, Edward Buckles Jr. and Joe Guidry, moderated by Danyel Smith, to a special Curls & Convo w/ Sienna Naturals co-founder Hannah Diop and celebrity hairstylist Felicia Leatherwood, Scene in Black was nothing short of a celebration of black joy!
Saturday evening, guests were transported to the 305 as attendees were treated to an exclusive screening of Issa Rae’s new series Rap S**t + a panel conversation with Rap S**t talent Syreeta Singleton, Sade Clacken Joseph, Aida Osman and KaMillion, moderated by Gia Peppers. To close the night, Scene in Black welcomed guests to the Ace Hotel for a private party with special performances by Light Skin Keisha and Kali, and music spun by DJ Kelly Green.
Scene in Black closed out Essence Fest weekend with a Creators Brunch, partnering with RnB House Party to gather creatives to eat, dance and drink the afternoon away and cement their weekend with one last hurrah!
Throughout the entire weekend, guests had the opportunity to enjoy the Scene in Black photo moments (both the entry wall and photo booth) as well as specialty cocktails and hand-picked bites all with a special New Orleans flair.
Follow Scene in Black to see what they have in store next!