‘Joy and Justice’: ESSENCE CEO Caroline Wanga and GBEF President Alphonso David Protest Ahead of Crucial Elections – Essence

In a message that combined inspiration and urgency, Caroline Wanga, CEO of ESSENCE Ventures, and Alphonso David, president and CEO of the Global Black Economic Forum, delivered a strong call to motion on the Democratic National Convention Black Caucus on Wednesday in Chicago.

Wanga and David took the stage with a mission: to galvanize Black communities to take part in the upcoming elections with a way of purpose and empowerment. Introducing themselves as “Justice” and “Joy,” the duo emphasized the duality of their message—fighting for justice while celebrating the enjoyment that comes with Black cultural resilience.

David began by outlining the important thing stakes of the election, noting, “We know how important it is that we elect someone who will protect the interests of people of color and marginalized communities. This election is about fighting for the future of our nation.” He then spoke concerning the groundbreaking Paint The Polls Black initiative, a partnership between ESSENCE, the Global Black Economic Forum, and other Sundialmedia Group corporations, including Refinery29 and AfroPunk. The goal of this initiative is to teach, register, mobilize and protect black voters across the country.

Wanga then reflected on the facility of Black women: “Essence has been around for 50 years, from its founding to today, and it continues to be a place where Black women come for inspiration, encouragement, and information,” Wanga said. She went on to emphasise the unique role of Black women as CEOs of home, culture, and community.

Wanga’s message was one of celebration and empowerment, emphasizing the critical role our community must play in civic engagement. Together, Wanga and David shared a vision of an empowered Black electorate that’s informed, united, and able to make its voices heard. They emphasized the importance of not only voting, but in addition protecting that voice by ensuring that each Black voter is welcomed with integrity and respect on the polls.

The lecture concluded with a challenge to the audience: to take a message of joy and justice to their communities, to mobilize like never before, and to make sure that black voices shape the long run of the nation. As Wanga firmly stated, “We are ensuring that in addition to providing information, nourishment, and truth to the CEOs of culture and community, we are also teaching them how to occupy the roles they already have—and how to use their power in this crucial moment.”

For more information concerning the Paint The Polls Black initiative, visit www.essence.com/paintthepollsblack/.