00:00Hey everybody, I'm Janelle Snowden, and in case you hadn't heard, the Essence Festival is celebrating its 25th anniversary this 4th of July weekend in New Orleans.
00:08So we thought it was only right to grab a few folks who've been there to tell you what you might be in store for this year.
00:14I feel like it's not an Essence Festival unless we see Miss Iyanla there. Am I right?
00:19You know, I have closed the empowerment stage every year, except for five.
00:24So it's my 20th anniversary, but I'll be celebrating 25.
00:28Can you always manage to bring the house down on the empowerment stage?
00:32You truly are gifted in what you do. Can you describe the experience and the energy that you get from the people there?
00:38Well, you know, Essence is family for me, because it was Essence Magazine that taught the world how to say Iyanla.
00:45When you go to the Essence Festival, how overwhelming is it for you with everybody, I'm sure, going, Iyanla, please help me fix my life, help me fix my life.
00:54You know, it's an honor. It's a privilege. It's something that I enjoy doing, and it's just so good to be in family, you know, for that one time of the year. It's all family.
01:07So for people like yourself who have not been as fortunate to have been 20 of the 25 years, tell folks why they should come for this special milestone anniversary.
01:16I think it's what Susan Taylor originally said, the party with a purpose. You know, we come together, we eat together. Oh my God, if you can survive the heat, you know, and we see the excellence of who we are, and we get to celebrate that and come together in a way that makes it sacred. Not even special, but sacred.
01:38I can't wait to see you on the empowerment stage. I will have my notebook ready. I will be taking notes.
01:44Got to take notes.
01:45I'm going to learn from the best. Thank you so much. You look radiant, and I can't wait to see what you're going to have on in July.
01:53Catch you on July 6th at the Convention Center. For more info, go to EssenceFestival.com.
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