Essence Festival Is Empty? The Cost of Losing Black American Support.

The conversation surrounding Essence Festival is getting louder, and many people are asking the same question: What happened? From videos showing what some describe as lighter crowds to vendors saying business was slower than expected, critics argue that the festival has lost touch with the Black American audience that helped make it a cultural institution. In this video, I share my perspective on why many Black Americans say they’re stepping back from supporting Essence and why they believe the festival has shifted away from the culture that built its legacy. I also discuss the argument that this criticism isn’t about excluding Africans or rejecting diversity—it’s about whether Black American culture is still being centered at an event many feel was built around it. This is a commentary video intended to encourage discussion about culture, identity, and consumer support. I’d love to hear your thoughts. Do you think Essence Festival is evolving in a positive direction, or has it lost touch with its core audience? Let me know in the comments. Don’t forget to Like, Subscribe, and turn on notifications for more commentary on culture, media, and current events. #kelvindecoded #EssenceFestival #BlackAmerican #FBA #Culture #BlackCulture #Essence #Commentary #News #Trending #YouTubeCommentary