I closed out Essence Fest on a high note by attending Trell Thomas’s Black Excellence Brunch—an event that continues to grow in scale and impact each year. I’ve had the pleasure of watching Trell’s vision evolve since I was first invited to one of the early editions by Crystal Renee, and it’s been incredible to see how far it has come.
This year’s brunch brought together an inspiring mix of creatives, entertainers, and entrepreneurs, including BruceGlen, AJ Calloway, Novi Brown, Jotaka Eady, and Chris Tucker, all gathered to honor Black excellence and shared cultural pride.
For the occasion, I wore a dress by Haitian designer Spero Surmer and hair by BWT Good Hair.
After the brunch, I made one final stop at Café du Monde for a beignet and iced coffee—my personal tradition whenever I’m in New Orleans. I may have wrapped the official events, but I still managed to slip away for one last concert (more on that soon).
Essence Fest always leaves me inspired. It’s more than just music, panels, or fashion—it’s a living celebration of Black creativity, legacy, and connection. Each year, it serves as a reminder of the power of community.
What do you think?
Images: Chastity Morgan
