Essence Festival 2025: Celebrating Black Women in Environmental Justice at NOPSI Hotel, New Orleans – New Orleans, LA

Black women have been and continue to be the backbone of the environmental justice movement maintaining the spirit of Black excellence like our founding Mother of the Movement Hazel Johnson. As the annual Essence Festival celebrates the beauty and brilliance of Black womanhood, this reception panel will focus on the victories and the continued fight against legacy pollution and environmental racism in Black communities representing rural and urban cities and towns from across the country.

Location: Nopsi Hotel (1st floor ballroom), 317 Baronne St, New Orleans, LA 70112

FREE OPEN BAR + HORS D’OUVRES!

Keynote Speaker: Rep. Justin J. Pearson | TN State Legislature (District 86)

Special Guest: Dr. Beverly Wright | Deep South Environmental Justice Center

Mistress of Ceremonies: Abre’ Conner, Esq | NAACP

Featured Speakers:

LaTricea D. Adams | Young, Gifted & Green

Kiara Rutherford | Climate Action Campaign

Sharon Lavigne | Rise St. James

Senator London Lamar (TN-D) | TN Legislature

Kaitlin Joshua | Earthworks

Dr. Kimberly Pearson | Memphis Community Against Pollution

Alayna Chuney | Carbon180

Ashlee Thomas | Oxfam

Roishette Sibley-Ozane | Vessel Project of Louisiana

Dr. Shelley Francis | EVNoire

Kari Fulton | EJ & Climate Justice Activist

Thank You to Our Sponsors:

Climate Power | Platinum Sponsor

Carbon 180, Environmental Defense Fund & Climate Action Campaign| Gold Sponsor

Earthjustice & Oxfam | Bronze Sponsor

NOTE: This FREE event is first come/first served and space is limited . Ticket DOES NOT guarantee entrance but is still required. Limited Street parking. Ride share strongly suggested. Timely arrival required for entry. Doors open at 12:45 PM and the program will start promptly at 1:00 PM. Free ticket includes open bar and hors d’oeuvres.