by The 30th annual Core Culture Festival brought together a range of Black thought leaders, artists, athletes and politicians. A-list stars like Serena Williams, Vice President Kamala Harris, Ava DuVernay and more joined the festival as speakers and performers for the event, which ends Sunday.
Here, see the celebrity looks from the Heart of Culture Festival 2024.
More from WWD
Serena Williams
Retired tennis superstar Serena Williams talked about democratizing beauty on Saturday with her new brand, Wyn Beauty, during the festival’s BeautyCon event, wearing a white collared top and black piping skirts by Gucci. She accessorised with a silver and gold watch, a silver ring with a blue stone and a beaded necklace in natural wood colours.
Vice President Kamala Harris
Vice President Kamala Harris made a surprise appearance with Lil Wayne during Essence’s tribute to 30 years of Cash Money Records on Friday. She wore a black pantsuit paired with a pastel blouse that had a high neck and a loose tie. The next day, she chose a vibrant blue dress and joined Maxine Waters for an event.
Ava DuVernay
Filmmaker Ava DuVernay discussed her critically acclaimed film “Origin” in a panel with actress and filmmaker Aml Ameen in a light blue, pin-up dress by Staud that featured a collar, mid-length sleeves and a casual tie at the waist. She paired the dress with white pointed pumps.
Mickey Guyton
“How You Love Someone” singer Mickey Guyton took to the stage on the first day of the festival with The Roots in a Retrofete periwinkle sweater dress featuring a patterned knit with textured elements and cutouts.
Danielle Brooks
“The Color Purple” star Danielle Brooks attended the star-studded event in a sparkling summer ensemble. She paired an orange and cream-colored zebra pattern tank top with a fuchsia full-length pleated skirt that featured a thigh-high slit and lots of sparkle.
Meagan Maith
Meagan Good, who will star in Tyler Perry’s new movie “Divorce in the Black,” attended the New Orleans festival celebrating Black culture in a Hemant & Nandita halter mini dress with a summery paisley pattern in soft orange, punk, green and yellow. She paired the mini dress with shiny yellow block-heeled platforms.
Maxine waters
US representative Maxine Waters wore a lime green pantsuit and shiny sand-colored pumps during her conversation with Shawn Wooden, Monique Idlett and Jabari Young at the festival’s World Black Economic Forum.
Colman Domingo
“Euphoria” actor Colman Domingo, whose next role is that of patriarch Joe Jackson in the upcoming Michael Jackson biopic “Michael,” attended the festival in an all-black look with white, textured accents.
The 30th annual Essence Culture Festival, held in New Orleans, was launched in 1995 to celebrate the 25th anniversary of “Essence” magazine. This year’s event will feature performances by Usher, Charlie Wilson, Big Boi and Janet Jackson, along with in-depth forums on various topics that affect the Black community.
Festival of the Heart 2024 Red Carpet and Celebrity Performances Photos, Live Updates: All the Looks
View the Gallery
Launch Gallery: Festival of the Heart 2024 Red Carpet Photos and Celebrity Performances, Live Updates: Watch All
The best of WWD
