Hey Cuties,
This has been a tough week, I was all excited about sharing my Essence experience and then I couldn’t form the words. Real life is happening and it had me stuck. I have two black men in my home that I worry about constantly. I don’t want anyone to be threatened by the color of their skin. In the spirit of all of this brown-ness I’m sharing part 2 of my trip.
Part 1: Tramping Around New Orleans Part 2: Essence Festival Recap: Actors Edition
Part 3: New Orleans #FatSnacks Part 4: Essence Festival Recap: Music Edition Part 5: New Orleans Music & Culture
I kicked off my entrance to the Essence Music Festival with fine and fine. Also known as Larenz Tate (Love Jones, House of Lies, Why Do Fools Fall in Love & Girl Trip) and Dondre Whitfield (Robert on The Cosby Show & Queen Sugar) they were on a Fatherhood Panel with VP Ron Andrews (not pictured) and Ed Gordon. (not pictured). They talked about the importance of taking your daughters on dates and showing your sons how to treat women by treating their wives like queens.
Kandi Burruss (Xscape, RHOA, Singer, Songwriter, Bedroom Kandi, Author & Business Owner) & Yandy Smith (LHHNY, Media Mogul & Violator Management) have teamed up to share their knowledge on motherhood and entrepreneurship. It is a book for women wondering how they handle motherhood and business. They both had babies within the past year and they breastfed them and took care of their businesses.
I heard Tasha Smith‘s (ATL, Why did I get Married, Empire & For Better or Worse) voice and stopped in my tracks. I love her, I don’t know what this panel discussion was titled but she was honest and shared her personal experiences and how as women we are always worried about finding a man.
These fab ladies Kim Fields (Facts of Life, Living Single, RHOA), Beverly Bond (Dj & Founder of Black Girls Rock) Luvvie Ajayi (Awesomely Luvvie, Awesomely Techie & Author) & Tai Beauchamp (Travel & Style Person) talked about womanhood, giving back and #BlackGirlMagic.
BernNadette Stanis famously known as Thelma from Good Time was there selling her book, t-shirts and taking pictures.
Cynthia Bailey is known for being on Real Housewives of Atlanta but prior to that she was a super model with Wilhelmina Models back in the day. She has a fashion school named the Bailey Agency and she recently launched Cynthia Bailey Eyewear. She is wearing a pair and trying them on a potential customer. Oh and she has a daughter with the ultra fine actor Leon.
Singer turned actor Keri Hilson was there with fellow cast mate’s comedian J.B. Smoove (Real Husbands of Hollywood) and Kimberly Elise (John Q, Set it Off, For Colored Girls & Pride) They along with fifty other celebs are starring in a holiday movie title Almost Christmas.
Almost Christmas is about a dysfunctional family that gets together for Thanksgiving after the death of their mom. Director David E. Talbert wanted this to be a classic holiday movie. We’ve not had one in several years. His wife Lyn Talbert is the Executive Producer, she has also collaborated with him on some other films. #BlackMagic
Actor Bryshere “Yazz” Gray aka Hakeem Lyon of the hit show Empire came to chat with us. He obviously couldn’t give any details about the upcoming season. He is playing Michael Bivens in the New Edition movie, he said it was fun to learn 80’s culture since he wasn’t born yet. He also said the world felt like a more loving and happy place in the 80’s. That was an interesting tidbit, I totally agree with it though.
The Ladies of Empire were in the building, actor Ta’Rhonda Jones aka Porsha and Serayah aka Tiana Brown. Ta’Rhonda is coming out with her own clothing line. She has partnered with a local company out of Chicago and was excited to share the look she is wearing. It is one of her designs.
Lee Daniels, Film Producer (Empire, Lee Daniels, The Butler, Monster’s Ball, Precious) He hit the scene and has been killing it nonstop. I only listed a few projects but Lee has a lot more. He introduced these ladies to us; they are the stars of his new show titled STAR. Fun Fact: Brittany O’Grady is from the DMV area.
This TV movie also stars Benjamin Bratt, Queen Latifah, Lenny Kravitz to name a few.
The super cute Singer Songwriter Janelle Monae didn’t come to talk about music this time. Instead she came to talk about her new movie Hidden Figures,“A team of African-American women provide NASA with important mathematical data needed to launch of astronaut John Glenn into orbit. This is based on a true story, Aldis Hodge (Underground, Leverage) plays Levi in the movie. I can’t wait to see this.
This movie also stars Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer, Kirsten Dunst and more.
The Southern Bell of the Real Housewives of Atlanta had her face in the place. She moderated a panel titled Mothers Saving Our Sons.
FOX has a new show this fall called Pitch and it stars Mo McRae (J Poppa on Empire, Niners Crew on Sons of Anarchy, Lee Daniels, The Butler) plays Blip & Kylie Bunbury (The Sitter & Under the Dome) plays Ginny. The show is about a young pitcher (Ginny) that becomes the first woman to play in the Major Leagues.
The iconic Lynn Whitfield, this woman’s resume is 500 pages long easy. She started out in 1981 but some of her most notable work was in The Women of Brewster’s Place, The Josephine Baker Story, The Cosby Mysteries and A Thin Line between Love and Hate. Now she is captivating audiences in OWN’s new show Greenleaf, she is Lady Mae Greenleaf and she doesn’t take any stuff.
I was trying to be all cute and my pimple was not here for it. *side eye*
Meet the cast of Rosewood; I’ll give you a minute to take in all the chocolaty goodness that is Morris Chestnut. I’ve not seen the show but they were recently renewed for a new season. I know all about Morris Chestnut (The Best Man, Boyz in the Hood, Out All Night, The Brothers & Ladder 49). Jaina Lee, is quickly making a name for herself although I wasn’t familiar with her work. She has been on Scream Queens as well as The Shop. Gabrielle Dennis (The Game & Blue Mountain State); then there is Lorraine Toussaint she has been doing her thing on TV since the 80’s as well. Recently she has been on Orange is the New Black as our favorite character to hate Yvonne “Vee” Parker. If you are a fan of the soaps then you will recognize her from The Young and the Restless.
I love Sherri Shepherd she is so funny and down to earth. Sherri came to us via comedy and has moved on up, she is most popular for being on The View. She has a new show she is Hosting and Executive Producing called Match Made in Heaven. It airs on WETV and it is essentially the black version of the bachelor. Sherri told us how her former co-host gushed about the Bachelor on The View all the time. As many years as the bachelor has been on they have never had a black bachelor. She saw a need and created a show. On top of that Sherri has a wig line and several other things.
AVA FREAKING DUVERNAY! I had to get that out of my system, this woman is magical and I was so geeked when she walked into the room. Okay Queen Sugar is a new show airing on OWN and it is about two sisters that move to Louisiana to claim an inheritance from their father who recently died. The sisters are played by Rutina Wesley (in the blue dress) and Dawn-Lyen Gardner in the black dress. I can’t wait to tune in to watch. Ava DuVernay along with Oprah are the creators of this show. Ava also Executive Produced the movie Selma and a lot of other projects to include an episode of Scandal.
I was a fan of Survivor’s Remorse already, it is one of the shows Babe and I watch together. After meeting them in person I am a super fan. They are so genuine so down and so freaking hilarious. They are stars for sure but they are human and I love that. Cast members L to R: Tichina Arnold (Little Shop of Horrors, Martin & Everybody Hates Chris) oh and she sangs her face off. RonReaco Lee (Sister Sister, The Good Guys, Let’s Stay Together) Erica Ash (MadTV, Scary Movie 5, Real Husbands of Hollywood) and she can sing too. Jessie T Usher (Level Up, Almost Christmas, Independence Day: Resurgence) He is also from the DC area, big up for the home team. Teyonah Parris (The Miki Howard Story, Mad Men, Chi-Raq) her natural hair game is all kinds of dope too.
If you watch the show then you know the characters are very BOLD and in your face. I love those kind of people but I wanted to know how much of that was them and how much of that was the writing. The dope thing is they said it was a bit of both. You can’t be all reserved when playing these type of characters. You have to own them, so it sometimes pushes them as actors to be a bit bolder. A lot of times they agree with the story line and because it is such quality work they own it before they even act it out.
Cutting up in the hallway.
Babe got in on the fun as well.
After a full day at the Convention Center Babe and I ran up on this Maxwell Pop up Shop. Maxwell’s just dropped his album and Babe picked up a copy. I got my shop on, I purchased a new graphic t-shirt and Actor Tanya Wright‘s hair product. HAIRiette is a company serving the needs of women with naturally textured hair. *raises hand* If Tanya looks familiar it because she has been on the Cosby Show, True Blood, NYPD and currently on Orange is the New Black (OITNB) as Mrs. Crystal Burset, the wife to Laverne Cox character Sophia Burset.
I know this is Hollywood overload but I had to share.
Do you have a favorite actor out of this bunch? Chat with me in the comment below or FB, IG or Twitter.
Tramping around the 504 (New Orleans) - MimiCuteLips
July 11, 2016 @ 12:18 pm
[…] 1: Tramping Around New Orleans Part 2: Essence Festival Recap: Actors Edition Part 3: New Orleans #FatSnacks Part 4: Essence Festival Part II Part 5: New Orleans Music […]
July 13, 2016 @ 7:35 am
WOW–that was some star studded event! Great coverage and photos too-felt like I was almost there with you! The swag sounds amazing too!!! Especially the Maxwell album!
July 13, 2016 @ 9:09 am
It is start studded for sure and I didn’t even get to see Oprah. She was there.
Maxwell is such a classic.
July 13, 2016 @ 7:58 am
What a lineup of awesomeness at the Essence Festival! I can’t stop jumping up and down over Kim Fields. I loved her in Facts of Life and she’s such a beautiful lady. You’re looking pretty in that pic too. Pimple? What pimple?
July 13, 2016 @ 9:08 am
Alli, Kim is still making a name for herself all of these years later. I love to see child stars go own to do more in the industry.
hahahahhaha, thanks.
July 13, 2016 @ 8:13 am
This looks like you had so much fun. I followed you on instagram and facebook while you were there. I really want to be able to go next year! I need to go back and read your other posts!
July 13, 2016 @ 9:07 am
Thanks hun. It was a lot of fun, a ton of things to do. It is to bunk up to reduce hotel cost since you are out and about most of the day.
July 13, 2016 @ 8:35 am
I’m going to check out Cynthia eyewear now!! Love the black ones!! I want to attend the one in S Africa
July 13, 2016 @ 9:05 am
She is working that eye wear line, I saw a few pieces I liked.
Yes, that would be awesome, this will be the first.
July 13, 2016 @ 8:45 am
Your pictures are great. It looks like everyone had a great time at this event. I have always enjoyed Sherri Shepherd’s humor!
July 13, 2016 @ 9:04 am
Thanks Shirley, she is hilarious.
#FatSnacks Friday: New Orleans - MimiCuteLips
July 13, 2016 @ 9:55 am
[…] 1: Tramping Around New Orleans Part 2: Essence Festival Recap: Actors Edition Part 3: New Orleans #FatSnacks Part 4: Essence Festival Part II Part 5: New Orleans Music […]
July 13, 2016 @ 10:01 am
GIRL! How did you focus on anything? I would’ve died at Yandy, came back to life for Keri and died again at Janelle Monae! So many beautiful people in the room!
July 13, 2016 @ 3:35 pm
Girl I burst out laughing. hahahaha Sometimes it is hard to keep it together and not fan out.
July 13, 2016 @ 10:28 am
It sounds like there were some amazing and inspiring people at Essence. Almost Christmas sounds like a good movie. I love a good family holiday movie.
July 13, 2016 @ 3:36 pm
Pam it was a lot of folks just tossing the inspiration in the air for us to catch. I’m going to check it out this holiday season.
July 13, 2016 @ 11:26 am
Such a collection of stars! I love events like this. So many things to see and always everyone looking so cute.
July 13, 2016 @ 3:36 pm
Katie it really was the Who’s Who of Hollywood. They make it looks all easy with their fashionable selves.
July 13, 2016 @ 4:50 pm
Looks like you all had a fantastic time at the Essence Festival. Gorgeous event!
July 14, 2016 @ 9:58 am
I really did, thanks Sarah.
July 13, 2016 @ 6:33 pm
What a great festival! Looks like a lot of fun was had! Look at all the stars there how really cool. Would love to attend something like this!
July 14, 2016 @ 9:58 am
Jeanine there aren’t many events where the celebs come out like this so I was honored to be there.
July 13, 2016 @ 6:39 pm
This looks like such a fabulous event. There were so many reality TV stars at this event. I’ve watched The Real Housewives of Atlanta several times.
July 14, 2016 @ 9:58 am
Ha, yes Jenn. It was nice to see them after watching them show out on TV. They were so different in person.
July 13, 2016 @ 8:23 pm
You must of had such a fun time! I love star studded events like this! Great pictures too!
July 14, 2016 @ 9:57 am
Thanks Adriana I really did. They all come out for Essence; I look forward to going again.
July 13, 2016 @ 9:25 pm
I’m getting star struck just looking at all these pictures! I really need to go to Essence fest!
July 14, 2016 @ 9:55 am
Hahahaha Stacie, that is hilarious. The celebs were really cool and down to earth. I loved that about them.
July 13, 2016 @ 9:52 pm
This looks like such a fun event! I would love to have attended and be able to listen to these ladies.
July 14, 2016 @ 9:56 am
Thanks Bella.
July 13, 2016 @ 10:10 pm
Oh wow, It must have been amazing hearing from everyone! It’s awesome that Lee Daniels was there. I really like his work.
July 14, 2016 @ 9:50 am
It was really cool to chat with them about their projects. It was so cool to see Lee Daniels.
July 13, 2016 @ 10:52 pm
Wow! Everybody who was anybody was there! Great photos. You got really close – that’s awesome 🙂 Glad you had a great time!
July 14, 2016 @ 9:51 am
It really was Eva, I was in the press room so I was up-close and personal.
July 14, 2016 @ 1:57 am
What a fun post and I love seeing all the glitz and glam. Looks like a really fun event!
July 14, 2016 @ 9:49 am
Thanks Carol, it was lots of glitz and glam.
July 14, 2016 @ 5:17 am
It must have been quite and experience to meet all these lovely people and learn more about them. It’s also great to hear them talk about parenting and all that too, because they are able to inspire others present during the event!
July 14, 2016 @ 9:56 am
Yes Amanda, sometimes we forget celebs are real people. They have kids and they have similar issues so it was nice to hear them speak on them.
July 14, 2016 @ 2:38 pm
I followed along on your trip through your snaps on Snapchat. I must say you made the convention center look like the place to be. I usually only attend the concerts and spend my time eating when in New Orleans for the Essence Festival.
July 14, 2016 @ 4:11 pm
Oh thanks Tia, I tried to share in real time. The Convention Center was a live environment of fun.
July 14, 2016 @ 4:06 pm
Loved this recap, I felt like I was there! It looks like it was so dope, loving all of the pictures and all of the black excellence!
July 14, 2016 @ 4:10 pm
Thanks Kasi, I was soaking up all of that black excellence.
July 14, 2016 @ 7:11 pm
I admit, I am a little jealous. I would love to hear Yandy speak and I love Kandi also. Yandy is a very inspiring and motivational woman!
July 15, 2016 @ 9:53 am
They were great together, make sure you check out their book when it comes out. It was like chatting with your girlfriends.
July 14, 2016 @ 10:19 pm
Looks like you had a great time!
July 15, 2016 @ 1:59 pm
I really did, I look forward to going next year.
July 14, 2016 @ 10:54 pm
Now that’s how a recap is done. Great coverage and sharing the experience with your hubby is priceless.
July 15, 2016 @ 9:52 am
Thanks so much OmiOmy, it was great to have Babe with me. He hadn’t had the media life experience.
July 14, 2016 @ 10:56 pm
Wow! You got some awesome pictures to say the least! I would have loved to meet Janelle Monae.
July 15, 2016 @ 9:51 am
Thanks Tia. It gave me a chance to see their true personalities. They are a lot funnier than I realized.
July 15, 2016 @ 12:17 am
Awesome recap my love! I am so happy I finally met you this year and I remember saying you wanted to do it and you did!!!! Yay I didnt cover as much of course because I came so late in the week due to I didnt know if I would have surgery or not but I made it!!! I love Lynn, I met her last year too in a funny way. I was front row at the Kendrick Lamar concert and she is literally right in front of me dancing to Dont Kill My Vibe and she was getting it like a 20 year old! She was so chill I never seen her in that light and she was very nice!!!
July 15, 2016 @ 9:54 am
Yes, thanks for the inspiration for sure. I will make sure I go every year.
That is hilarious, I love to see celebs in their own element. Get it Lynn.
July 15, 2016 @ 3:52 am
Wow… This sounds like lot of fun and great time at this event. I love a good family holiday movie.
July 15, 2016 @ 9:50 am
Jasmine I love a good holiday movie. I really do.
July 15, 2016 @ 7:21 am
What a great experience! I love the shirt of your blog logo!
July 15, 2016 @ 9:48 am
Thanks Cathy, I try to represent my brand at all times.
July 15, 2016 @ 8:56 am
OMG looks like a great time. I really need to find myself there. Love all the positivity that these actors spoke of.
July 15, 2016 @ 9:47 am
Joanna it is something you should experience for sure.
New Orleans Music & Culture - MimiCuteLips
August 3, 2016 @ 10:10 am
[…] 1: Tramping Around New Orleans Part 2: Essence Festival Recap: Actors Edition Part 3: New Orleans #FatSnacks Part 4: Essence Festival Recap: Musician Edition Part 5: New […]
MimiCuteLips Fall Favorites - MimiCuteLips
September 10, 2016 @ 8:10 am
[…] season. The show is good and the cast is even better. I had a chance to chat with them while at Essence this summer. This is the first TV series produced by NBA star Lebron […]