20 Black-Owned New Orleans Restaurants to Support During Essence Fest and Beyond
- The summer event in New Orleans celebrating Black culture features a spotlight on Black-owned coffee shops along with support for more than 175 local restaurants.
- The festival originated in 1995 by Essence Magazine and benefits from Coca-Cola’s 30-year sponsorship to bring cultural experiences nationwide.
- Featured Black-owned coffee shops include Baldwin & Co., a bookstore café fostering intellectual engagement, and St. Noir, a community-centered café in the Upper 9th Ward.
- Coca-Cola reported that the 2024 Essence Festival generated $346.3 million locally, created 2,642 jobs, and sponsors dynamic activations celebrating Black excellence.
- The festival strengthens Black entrepreneurship and culture by offering spaces for social connection and generating significant economic impact in New Orleans.
14 Articles
14 Articles


Coca-Cola® Celebrates 30 Years as Presenting Sponsor of the Essence Festival of Culture®
Coca-Cola® and ESSENCE Mark 30-Year Anniversary of "Shining Together" for Annual ESSENCE Festival of Culture® in New Orleans by Bringing the Culture's Most Influential Voices Together to Celebrate the Richness of Black Community, Creativity & Commerce

Brewing Black Excellence: 5 Black-Owned Coffee Shops to Visit During Essence Fest
Source: Courtesy of St. Noir Cafe As thousands of visitors pour into New Orleans for the 2025 Essence Festival of Culture, the city’s vibrant culture, along with its Black-owned businesses, stands ready to offer more than just world-class hospitality and a soulful expression of the word “bayyyyybee.” Both will offer a glimpse into history, culture, and community resilience, with a side of style, partying, and Daiquiris galore. Among these many e…
Toya Johnson Shares Upcoming Disney ‘Power of Joy’ Experience At Essence Fest
Toya Johnson-Rushing brought some Disney magic to her social media this week as she shared a behind-the-scenes look at her upcoming appearance at the “Power of Joy” experience during Essence Fest. The Fun Post The Tiny and Toya alum posted on Instagram on Tuesday, giving fans a peek at the joyful moment. In her caption, she wrote: Disney sprinkled a little magic my way! ✨ So honored to be part of the Power of Joy experience at Essence Fest this …
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