In spite of the grueling temperatures and humidity that had me sweating bullets, Love Freedom Movement’s Bold Beauty Boss Expression events during Essence Festival 25th anniversary weekend blew me past belief. Of course, when planning events the expectation is to exceed but there was something incredibly unique about this year. Love Freedom Movement is only a year old in its creation. Nevertheless to reflect on what has been accomplished is remarkable.
This year at Essence Festival, Love Freedom Movement returned for the second year with a bang hosting three events at the New Orleans Downtown Marriott Convention Center with a Welcome Toast on Friday, the Bold Beauty Boss Expression empowerment session on Saturday and the Bold Boss Sunday Brunch. The amount of collaborators such as: iElevate Conference, Curvy Gurls, Essence of a Boss, Accessory Me, Colour U Cosmetics, S.T.E.P.S. Evens, Dr. Arabia Mollette to name a few. Plus, celebrity appearances by Dapper Dan, Toya Wright, Darlene McCoy, Producer Princess Banton-Lofters, Dr. Heavenly Kimes, Tequan Richmond, Angela Yee, Martell and Melody Holt, Lisa Wu and seriously the list continues. The weekend was insane. It reminded me of the fact, God will give you more on your way than when you start.
The finale event on Sunday was definitely the highlight of the weekend. The space felt expansive and empowering to be sitting in a room full of professional people of color from every walk of life mentionable.
Next year the goal is to be inside the convention center along with an upscale Sunday Brunch in a prestigious undisclosed location.
Here is a glimpse of the incredible moment shot by photographer Ronnie Harrington.
