*As a Coca-Cola VIP Blogger, my travel and accommodations for the 20th annual ESSENCE Festival were provided by the company.

 

One word: Amazing!!!

 

Last week I shared with you that I was invited by Coca-Cola to serve as a VIP Blogger for the 2014 ESSENCE Festival in New Orleans, Louisiana. I must tell you that the experience far surpassed any and every dream that I have ever had of attending the festival over the years! It was an experience that I will never forget!

 

The best part of attending was doing so as a social media partner of a company that I immensely love! Coca-Cola has been a part of my life forever! I love more than just their products, I love their values and the many ways that they work to inspire and uplift communities around the globe. Indeed the concerts and celebrities of the ESSENCE Festival were thrilling, but I was more excited to get up close and personal with one of my favorite brands, and the driving forces behind how they fulfill their missions of well-being, social good, and empowering women. All of this while having a great time!

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I could go on and on, but instead I will just show you! Here are my Coca-Cola ESSENCE Festival Moments as a VIP Blogger from beginning to end in tweets and photos!

 

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Arriving at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center 

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First up was the press conference to kick off the festival, where Coca-Cola celebrated their 19-years of being a partnering sponsor of the Essence Festival by discussing their 5by20 initiative, which seeks to empower 5 million women globally by the year 2020. The company also announced a pledge of 1 million dollars to aid women’s empowerment in the United States. This newest initiative will begin in selective markets throughout the country in partnership with Urban League, Rainbow Push Coalition, and SER.

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We have our seats for the @cocacola #Essencefest press conference! So excited! #CokeESSENCEFest

— Makeba G. (@MELISASource) July 4, 2014

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. @Cocacola is investing 1 million dollars to women empowerment in the community this year #CokeESSENCEFest — Makeba G. (@MELISASource) July 4, 2014 . .

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Next up was a sneak preview tour of the Coca-Cola ‘Happiness Booth.’ I had so much fun there! The DJ played a great mix of old and new school jams to keep the crowd moving! There was also a station to create a custom Coke can with a name of your choice, a fun photo share booth, and of course lots of complimentary Coca-Cola beverages! As the crowds grew heavier and heavier throughout the day, it was obvious that booth had far succeeded its goal of  inspiring creativity, happiness, and fun for the festival-goers.

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Love the happiness and energy of everyone here in the @CocaCola #ESSENCEFest booth!! If you’re here, stop by!! #CokeEssenceFest #emf2014

— Makeba G. (@MELISASource) July 4, 2014

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The #ESSENCEFest @CocaCola booth is definitely meeting it’s mission: to deliver happiness and celebration to women! #CokeEssenceFest — Makeba G. (@MELISASource) July 4, 2014  

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This was in the Coca-Cola Happiness booth screamed ‘Empowerment!’ I totally fell in love with it (and so did other booth visitors!)

 

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 From there it was off to lunch, where I dined with top Coca-Cola Executives (in fact, the same ones that are in the Rev. Al Sharpton photo above). Vice President of Public Relations Laurie George Billingsley, and  Lisa M. Borders, Chair of the Coca-Cola Foundation, and Vice President of Global Community. They shared more about the company’s mission, and how they collaborate with governments, civil society and other businesses for social good efforts to empower communities worldwide.  They also discussed Coca-Cola’s Sustainability project which focuses on embracing personal well-being, building stronger communities and protecting the environment.

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Had such a lovely lunch with @CocaCola executives! #CokeEssenceFest — Makeba G. (@MELISASource) July 4, 2014

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I also love how passionate @CocaCola Execs & staff are about their brand, #socialgood issues, & the community…. #CokeEssenceFest — Makeba G. (@MELISASource) July 4, 2014

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….I love being around that kind of passion. Makes me wanna strive to be more, to do better. #CokeEssenceFest @CocaCola — Makeba G. (@MELISASource) July 4, 2014

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Later we were whisked away to the Mercedes Superdome for the evening concerts. We had the pleasure of enjoying the Coca-Cola VIP Hospitality Lounge throughout the night.

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The dinner in the hospitality suite was wonderful every night!

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I enjoyed talking to Mr. Roland Martin of TV One

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 Friday night’s concerts featured Janelle Monet, Nile Rogers and Chic, and Prince, with Doug E. Fresh rocking the crowd in between performances. The stage sets and imagery were mind-blowing!   .

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After Nile Rogers and Chic’s performance, I was shocked and excited to see a few of my tweets about the show displayed on the huge stage screens for everyone in the Superdome to see! (!!!!)

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Then it was time for His Royal Badness!! Although he did several surprise “pop-ups” onstage with Janelle and Chic, that didn’t detract any energy from his show!

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Prince just performed 14 songs in a row. ~He didn’t come here to play! #CokeESSENCEFest #Prince #ESSENCEFest — Makeba G. (@MELISASource) July 5, 2014

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Day two of the festival began with a women’s empowerment session hosted by Coca-Cola. The panel featured Pamela Stewart, Terrez Thompson, Claire Babineau, and LaTricia Hill-Chandler. The panel shared how women can create better economic opportunities for themselves, including tips for business and entrepreneurship, as well as tools for empowerment and self-worth. 

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#HappeningNow: here w/ #CokeESSENCEFest at the @cocacola Money & Power Supplier or Partner EmpowerU session. #Essencefest — Makeba G. (@MELISASource) July 5, 2014

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You can go to http://t.co/qP88bX8O8Y to get info on entrepreneurship and being successful in business. #CokeESSENCEFest #Essencefest — Makeba G. (@MELISASource) July 5, 2014

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Coca-Cola kept the empowerment going with a wellness chat session featuring Ashley Hicks and Toni Carey, founders of Black Girls Run and Denise Warren of Body By Denise. The panel discussed the importance of proper nutrition and physical activity in women; and how such plays an essential role in overall well-being. They also shared some insight on food labels, meal preparation, and exercising correctly for optimal results.

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Informative panel discussion #CokeESSENCEFest #ESSENCEFest – @blackgirlsrun and @bodybydenise are giving tips 4 women’s health maintenance — Makeba G. (@MELISASource) July 5, 2014

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via @bodybydenise : L.I.F.E. = “Living In Fitness Everday. (I’m putting this on my fridge!!) #CokeESSENCEFest #ESSENCEFest @cocacola — Makeba G. (@MELISASource) July 5, 2014

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Next it was time for some inspiration from entertainment. Tyrese Gibson took the main stage with a Q&A session with media personality Rashan Ali. The singer discussed everything from his personal journey with Coca-Cola, and how he stays motivated, to business advice and self-confidence. 

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After the Q&A session, we were able to have a one-on-one chat session with Tyrese in the Coca-Cola VIP suite backstage.

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.@Tyrese #Tyrese is sharing his story of how he scored the @cocacola commercial at just 15 years old. #CokeESSENCEFest #ESSENCEFest — Makeba G. (@MELISASource) July 5, 2014

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. @Tyrese has come full circle. Just amazimg of what God can do when you trust him. #CokeESSENCEFest #ESSENCEFest @cocacola — Makeba G. (@MELISASource) July 5, 2014

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“A 30-second commercial turned n2 20+ years in entertainment.” Do the work-keep the faith. #CokeESSENCEFest #ESSENCEFest #Tyrese @cocacola — Makeba G. (@MELISASource) July 5, 2014

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. . In the evening of day 2 was the private Coca-Cola VIP dinner. Rev. Jesse Jackson expressed gratitude to Coca-Cola for their decades of philanthropy and work on social issues both nationally and globally.  Tyrese also graced the stage to share how the company has positively impacted his life and career.

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Here at the @cocacola #CokeESSENCEFest VIP Dinner. Special guest @tyrese takes the stage to inspire the… http://t.co/MrJGcUuxCl — Makeba G. (@MELISASource) July 5, 2014

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Another change of clothes, then it was off to the second night of concerts!.

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Evening two featured performances my Ledisi, The Roots, and Mary J. Blige. (my phone and charging pack died, so I didn’t get to take as many photos. 🙁   )

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#Ledisi is celebrating powerful women during her ‘Bravo’ performance! #EssenceFest #CokeEssenceFest — Makeba G. (@MELISASource) July 6, 2014

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I love Ledisi. Her artistry, her humility, her passion for what she does. Truly a class act. #EssesnceFest #CokeEssenceFest — Makeba G. (@MELISASource) July 6, 2014

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Mary J. Blige performing on the Superdome stage

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Sunday’s activities began bright and early with the Coca-Cola 5k Run/Walk. In partnership with Black Girls Run, the event was all about promoting physical activity and wellness. The route began at the famous Riverwalk and took us through the historic French Quarter.

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Wobble on the riverwalk. We did that!! #CokeESSENCEFest #ESSENCEFest — Makeba G. (@MELISASource) July 6, 2014

Touring the French Quarter during the cocacola #CokeESSENCEFest 5k run/walk. #ESSENCEFest #health… http://t.co/J1lSgLrIVF — Makeba G. (@MELISASource) July 6, 2014

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Feeling great after the @cocacola #CokeESSENCEFest 5k run/walk! Now that’s the way to start the morning! #ESSENCEFest — Makeba G. (@MELISASource) July 6, 2014 .

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Coca-Cola ESSENCE Festival Moments

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Our final event was a private bus tour of New Orleans with Coca-Cola. There was so much to see, and our tour guide shared a wealth of the city’s history and culture with us! During the tour, we learned about how Coca-Cola was one of the first companies to step in to help during Hurricane Katrina for rescue, recovery, and rebuilding.

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#HappeningNow: taking a @cocacola private tour of New Orleans learning about the city’s history. #CokeEssenceFest — Makeba G. (@MELISASource) July 6, 2014

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Seeing the rebuilt levys and water-pumping stations post-Katrina. Amazing. #CokeEssenceFest #Nola — Makeba G. (@MELISASource) July 6, 2014

 

. @cocacola did SO much to help during hurricane Katrina. #Salute and #Gratitude. #CokeEssenceFest #nola #neworleans

— Makeba G. (@MELISASource) July 6, 2014

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Our @cocacola New Orleans tour guide was phenomenal! So knowledgeable and passionate! I now see the city with new eyes! #CokeESSENCEFest

— Makeba G. (@MELISASource) July 6, 2014

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Coca-Cola ESSENCE Festival Moments

Being a Coca-Cola VIP Blogger for the 2014 Essence Festival was hands-down one of the greatest experiences in my life. I have always seen the company as more than just a brand: Coca-Cola is a feeling-and movement to do, to be, and to live better and reach higher while reaching out to lend a hand to others. After this weekend it was clearer to me that Coca-Cola knows that when women are empowered, communities thrive, and it was a privilege to become more versed in how the company is paving a forward path for women around the world. I left feeling not only inspired and empowered, but reborn and renewed: ready to live better. I felt  empowered to find ways to do more to make a change in my community and to inspire other women. It also served as a great reminder to me to be grateful. Not just for the big things like attending ESSENCE Fest and partnering with Coca-Cola, but for the little things as well.

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Coca-Cola ESSENCE Festival Moments

I want to give a HUGE thanks to Coca-Cola for the invitation and opportunity to celebrate ESSENCE Festival moments. They made my dreams come true—and then some!!

 

• Coca-Cola website
• Coca-Cola social media:  Facebook| Twitter | Instagram
• Coca-Cola ESSENCE Festival Moments can be viewed at www.cokeessencefest.com and on Twitter using the hashtag #CokeESSENCEFest

Coca-Cola ESSENCE Festival Moments

I would also like to give a special thanks to a handful of the many companies that worked tirelessly to create the best Coca-Cola ESSENCE Festival Moments for myself and my fellow VIP Bloggers.

 

Annunciation Fine Dining:  website | Twitter | Facebook 

Limousine Livery: website | Facebook | Twittter

Roosevelt New Orleans | Waldorf Astoria Hotel: website | Facebook | Twitter

Domenica Restaurant: website | Facebook | Twitter

 

 Coca-Cola ESSENCE Festival Moments