The Essence Festival, which ended Sunday, is a celebration of Black culture launched in New Orleans in 1995. More than three decades later, it is an annual July event that significantly bolsters the New Orleans and Louisiana economies, attracting thousands of visitors. But this year, perhaps more than others, there have been concerns from fans about how the events were run. Essence Ventures Executive Vice Chairman Richelieu Dennis sat down for an interview with Columnist Will Sutton and Dr. Ashonta Wyatt, who co-host WBOK’s Good Morning Show. It has been edited for accuracy, clarity and space.
WYATT: For those who may not know who you are, who are you? What’s been your road to Essence Fest?
DENNIS: My official title is executive chairman of Sundial Media Group, of which Essence Ventures is the crown jewel. Inside of that entity is (the idea of) leveraging business as investment tools into Black communities. Add Essence (magazine) along with Afropunk, Beautycon and R29 other entities that are steeped in identity and in culture…