My Adventures at Essence Festival with AJ Williams Media

Essence Festival is one of my favorite annual events. I often describe the experience as Disney World having a baby with Wakanda. However, I have a love - hate relationship with Essence Festival because although it is 99% African-American demographic, it can be hard to be represented media wise.

Before you get all mad with my last statement allow me to explain. Essence is primarily a women’s magazine geared towards the celebration of Black Women around the world. However, it includes something for the entire family at its annual festival. Being a creative you would naturally assume that we all would desire access to do what we love in a place that is for us by us.

I haven’t been able to secure that Dream just yet but nevertheless I’m working to shoot as if I have. This year in particular my friend and fellow filmmaker Anthony Williams of AJ Williams Media came with me, oh and it was his first Essence experience. We had a few challenges but we ended up having a great day and captured some awesome footage. Check it out and let’s see how long it takes for me to get on the Essence Media Team.

Anthony was reviewing a new product called the Cinesoft Filter by #TideOptics so he made the trip a dual purposed adventure. I will be releasing my edit of #EssenceFestival over at BEPS Network so be on the lookout.