2018 Essence Fest Day 1 Was Full Of Peak Blackness

Source: Andrew Vo / Global Grind

Every year Essence Festival brings out the black and the beautiful. 2018 was no different. Global Grind was on hand for day 1 of the Essence Fest weekend and without a doubt, this year was full of peak blackness.

Hit the gallery for a recap of Essence Fest Day 1!

1. Essence Festival

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The Boss Ladies have arrived!

2. George Tillman Jr. and Regina King

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George Tillman Jr. and Regina King hit the 2018 Essence Festival Empowerment stage. regina king,george tillman jr.,essence fest,2018 essence festival

3. Barry Jenkins, George Tillman and Regina King

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Barry Jenkins (Moonlight), George Tillman (director of The Hate U Give) and Regina King on the Essence Festival 2018 Empowerment stage. regina king,george tillman jr.,essence fest,2018 essence festival,barry jenkins

4. Barry Jenkins and Regina King

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Barry Jenkins and Regina King at Essence Festival 2018 in New Orleans essence festival,barry jenkins and regina king

5. Barry Jenkins

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Barry Jenkins (Moonlight) talks new ‘Beale Street’ film with James Baldwin at Essence Festival 2018 in New Orleans. new orleans,essence fest,barry jenkins,essence festival 2018

6. Meelah of 702

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702 performs at Essence Festival 2018 in New Orleans new orleans,702,essence fest,essence festival 2018

7. 702 at Essence Festival

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702 reunited for a performance at Essence Festival 2018 in New Orleans. 702,essence fest,2018 essence fest

8. Mary J. Blige

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Mary J. Blige at Essence Festival 2018 in New Orleans. new orleans,mary j. blige,essence festival,2018 essence fest

9. Lena Waithe

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Lena Waithe tells Essence Fest she wouldn’t have won an Emmy if she wasn’t out-queer because being out allowed her to have a story to tell. lena waithe,essence festival,2018 essence fest