00:00You all earned this role, you all believe it, and we're going to make sure you're glammed like it.
00:07So take a look.
00:30Essence Festival!
00:36Y'all, what an incredible, incredible weekend it has been.
00:43I am Lillianne Majeed, Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer, North America for L'Oreal Group.
00:51And it is my honor to share the stage with two women who have made the WNBA what it is today.
01:02But before we hear from them, I want to rewind a little bit.
01:06Because each night on the main stage, we have been celebrating L'Oreal first.
01:12For those of you who were here on Friday night, you heard us talk about the fact that we were the first beauty partner
01:19of the WNBA almost 30 decades ago.
01:24And those of you who were here on Saturday night, heard Knicks talk about being the first professional makeup brand
01:32to sign a female collegiate athlete as a brand ambassador, the future legend, Juju Watkins.
01:40And tonight, we are breaking some news for you.
01:45We are now the official beauty partner, the first official beauty partner of the Women's National Basketball Players Association.
02:00You're going to hear from this queen.
02:04I want to get serious for a moment before I turn it over to these two ladies.
02:10Because there is one thing I hope that you all feel deep in your soul after a week of experiences with L'Oreal Group.
02:20And it is this. I hope you know that L'Oreal sees you.
02:28L'Oreal knows that each and every one of you are valuable consumer groups.
02:35And we work hard every day to ensure that we are worthy of your trust and your investment.
02:43Because we know that we would not be the number one beauty company in the world without you.
02:52And so now, I'm going to have some fun introducing two really, really good friends of mine.
03:02On my right, please welcome Terry Carmichael Jackson.
03:10She is a lifelong advocate for athletes and women's voices in sports.
03:17So much so that Sports Illustrated named her on a list called the unrelenting.
03:25And that she is.
03:27And on my left, I mean, she needs no introduction, but I'm going to do it anyway because I love bragging on her.
03:34Miss Cheryl Swoops, the legend.
03:39Oh yeah, I knew y'all would know her.
03:43Let me look at my notes because I need to make sure I get her accolades right.
03:47Ma'am, Hall of Famer, three-time Olympic gold medalist, four-time WNBA champion.
03:57I'm not done yet.
03:59The first player ever signed to the WNBA.
04:04And the first woman to have an athletic shoe named after her.
04:11And so now, y'all, I'm going to step to the side and let these literal, literal icons talk to you.
04:18What you got, Terry?
04:20Thank you, Lillian.
04:22Essence, it's an honor to be here.
04:26I can tell you, women's sports isn't just having a moment, y'all.
04:33Women's sports is and has always been the moment.
04:38We are leading a movement in sport, in fashion, in arts, in culture.
04:47The resurgence of black excellence and black girl magic is being shaped right now by the players of the WNBA.
04:59On the court and beyond, the Players Association is the heartbeat of women's basketball.
05:09We advocate for our athletes, protect their interests, and create opportunities for them to thrive.
05:19Not just as players, but as leaders, as entrepreneurs, as change makers.
05:28When a leading company like L'Oreal, thank you, Lill.
05:35You're welcome, girl.
05:37When a leading company like L'Oreal partners with the WNBA, it's more than a sponsorship.
05:45It's a statement that our voices, our stories, and our impact matter.
05:53That's because when companies invest in the union, they are making an athlete-centered, future-focused commitment.
06:04One that recognizes the powerful opportunity to directly pour into the players.
06:13Wow.
06:15Thank you, L'Oreal.
06:18It's an honor.
06:20I am thrilled now to pass the mic to the one, to the only, Cheryl Swoops.
06:33Swoops.
06:34Swoops.
06:37Thank you, Terry.
06:39Thank you, Lillian.
06:40And thank you, Essence.
06:42It is truly an honor to be here with all of you tonight.
06:47To finally be seen, supported, heard, and recognized on a stage like this, I can't begin to tell you all how great this feels.
07:00When I became the first player ever signed to the WNBA, it was about more than just playing basketball.
07:09It was about opening doors for the next generation.
07:13I remember even back then, L'Oreal was showing up for us.
07:20Seeing them still here today, standing with us, not just as athletes, but as women, as leaders, and as icons, is powerful.
07:35The progress we've made in visibility and recognition for women athletes is incredible.
07:43But it's just the beginning.
07:46To every woman out there, keep pushing boundaries, keep believing in yourself, and keep showing the world your greatness.
07:59And trust me, they will catch up.
08:02Yes, they will.
08:04Yes, they will.
08:05Because tonight, L'Oreal is continuing our mission to ensure everyone feels seen and considered, not just in beauty, but also the world.
08:16So tonight, we celebrate you, Essence, because we were made like this.
08:22Together, let's keep paving the way for a future where our greatness is celebrated.
08:31Essence Festival, keep shining, keep rising, and always stand in your power.
08:41Stay beautiful!
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