2018 Essence Fest Day 1 Was Full Of Peak Blackness

Source: Andrew Vo / Global Grind

Every year Essence Festival brings out the black and the beautiful. 2018 was no different. Global Grind was on hand for day 1 of the Essence Fest weekend and without a doubt, this year was full of peak blackness. Hit the gallery for a recap of Essence Fest Day 1!

1. Essence Festival

The Boss Ladies have arrived!

2. George Tillman Jr. and Regina King

George Tillman Jr. and Regina King hit the 2018 Essence Festival Empowerment stage. regina king,george tillman jr.,essence fest,2018 essence festival

3. Barry Jenkins, George Tillman and Regina King

Barry Jenkins (Moonlight), George Tillman (director of The Hate U Give) and Regina King on the Essence Festival 2018 Empowerment stage. regina king,george tillman jr.,essence fest,2018 essence festival,barry jenkins

4. Barry Jenkins and Regina King

Barry Jenkins and Regina King at Essence Festival 2018 in New Orleans essence festival,barry jenkins and regina king

5. Barry Jenkins

Barry Jenkins (Moonlight) talks new ‘Beale Street’ film with James Baldwin at Essence Festival 2018 in New Orleans. new orleans,essence fest,barry jenkins,essence festival 2018

6. Meelah of 702

702 performs at Essence Festival 2018 in New Orleans new orleans,702,essence fest,essence festival 2018

7. 702 at Essence Festival

702 reunited for a performance at Essence Festival 2018 in New Orleans. 702,essence fest,2018 essence fest

8. Mary J. Blige

Mary J. Blige at Essence Festival 2018 in New Orleans. new orleans,mary j. blige,essence festival,2018 essence fest

9. Lena Waithe

Lena Waithe tells Essence Fest she wouldn’t have won an Emmy if she wasn’t out-queer because being out allowed her to have a story to tell. lena waithe,essence festival,2018 essence fest