Former first lady Michelle Obama, Kerry Washington, and activist Tamika Mallory are among the newly added guests at the 2020 Essence Festival of Culture.

This year’s virtual celebration will take place over two back-to-back weekends of music, empowerment, and culture on June 25-28 and July 2-5, Thursday-Sunday.

Other newly added guests include Naomi Campbell, Lena Waithe, Ayesha and Steph Curry, Rev. Al Sharpton, Tarana Burke, Jon Batiste, Chronixx, Michaela Coel, Wyclef, Iyanla Vanzant, Iman Shumpert, Teyana Taylor and many more.  The festival will be hosted by Loni Love. 

Fans can look forward to cultural leaders and speakers, including New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell, Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, and other elected officials.

Previously announced performers include headliner Bruno Mars, the legendary Patti Labelle, John Legend, India.Arie, Swizz Beatz, Andra Day, Nas, Burna Boy and more.

The 2020 Essence Festival of Culture will be livestreamed on EssenceStudios.com.

By Rachel George
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