DNC Announces Return to ESSENCE Cultural Festival with Major Black Voter Engagement Initiative – Essence

As a part of ongoing efforts to engage Black voters, Democratic Party announced its participation within the ESSENCE Festival of Culture in New Orleans for the third consecutive 12 months. From July 4-7, Democrats will host a “Seat at the Table” booth at ESSENCE Fest, offering attendees the chance to engage directly with party representatives at the biggest event dedicated to black culture and music within the country.

The booth will feature one-on-one conversation stations, a photograph booth, and opportunities for festival attendees to learn more in regards to the Democratic Party’s initiatives on key issues and the way they will become involved. This collaboration, which incorporates Democratic National Committee (DNC), The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee (DSCC), the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC), CBCPAC, and the Rolling Sea Action Fund aim to highlight Democrats’ commitment to black voters.

“Black voters, and especially Black women, are the heart of the Democratic Party — and we will not take their support for granted in 2024. From the beginning of this campaign, our focus has been on meeting people where they are,” said Brencia Berry, DNC national political director.

Essence Festival of Culture celebrates its thirtieth anniversary this 12 months and has all the time attracted the largest names in music and entertainment to the town. Over three a long time, it has also carved out and curated other unique spaces, including health and wellness, business and sweetness, and has been a centre for political engagement.

“The festival’s political significance has grown over the years, with many prominent figures using it as a key platform to connect with Black voters, especially Black women. Previous speakers include Barack Obama, Michelle Obama, Hillary Clinton, and Kamala Harris in her previous role as Vice President,” said Caroline Wanga, President and CEO of ESSENCE Ventures.

“With the 2024 election looming, Essence Festival takes on even greater significance. It provides the Biden/Harris campaign with a unique opportunity to directly engage with a key demographic of voters in an environment that is authentic, commemorative, safe, and supportive of Black culture and achievement. Vice President Harris’ participation in this year’s Chief to Chief franchise sends a clear message about the campaign’s priorities and its recognition of the power of Black women voters,” Wanga added.

“Moreover, the timing of the festival – just before the election season begins – makes it an ideal launching pad to reinforce how campaign messages and initiatives align with constituency expectations and priorities. It sets the tone for candidate-voter relationships as the campaign progresses.”

The “A Place at the Table” booth will tout the accomplishments of President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris and other Democratic leaders, including helping “Black entrepreneurs start businesses at the fastest rate in 30 years, 2.5 million jobs for Black workers, historically low unemployment, canceling student debt for nearly five million Americans.”

According to the 2024 ESSENCE/Black Women’s Roundtable “Power of the Sister Vote” poll, Black women across the country are fascinated with the economy, inflation, and reducing gun violence. With this 12 months’s presidential election approaching, 86 percent of Black women want to lower the associated fee of living, and 88 percent of Black women support reproductive freedom.

In the 2020 presidential election, Biden won 92 percent of the black vote compared to Trump’s 8 percent. But current national polls suggest the president has a way to go to reach the identical level of support in November. The latest data from Pew Research Center shows that 77% of black voters currently support Biden, while 18% support Trump.

Democratic leaders say they’re focused on constructing and maintaining meaningful connections with Black voters, which is why they proceed to show up and have interaction voters at ESSENCE Fest. “We need to be consistent in our efforts to reach and engage Black voters, who are essential to our efforts to regain the House majority,” said Tasha Cole, DCCC deputy executive director of stakeholder engagement.

CBCPAC’s Director of Partnerships, Cara Johnston, echoed similar sentiments, in addition to her commitment to the community: “We are committed to serving Black Americans and we know that we need to get out the vote in every election.”

Last 12 months, the “A Place at the Table” stand attracted over 1,500 visitors, demonstrating the importance of the ESSENCE Culture Festival as a key platform for political engagement.