The Walt Disney Company is the major entertainment sponsor of the 2023 Essence Festival of Culture, celebrating the “Power of Joy” and Black culture.
“Disney is proud to return to the ESSENCE Festival of Culture as a major sponsor and showcase the magic happening across our brands,” said Jill Estorino, President and Managing Director of Disney Parks International. “Through culture-defining storytelling, unforgettable experiences, and more, we are inviting everyone to experience first-hand ‘The Power of Joy’ and the many ways creativity, innovation, and contributions from Black culture are reflected across Disney.”
The festival includes the following events and offerings:
- Disney’s “Came to Play” Booth features an immersive shopping experience of Black licensees and authors’ latest products and books.
- The “Black Stories Always” initiative will be showcased on Hulu on July 1.
- The Black Storytelling panel will feature authors K. Russell (“The Yards Between Us”) and Marisa Moore (“The Plant Love Kitchen”).
- Disney Publishing Worldwide will also celebrate titles by several authors in the Disney Retail Showroom, including ABC News’ Deborah Roberts’ “Lessons Learned and Cherished” and Tre’vell Anderson’s “We See Each Other.”
- Disney will host a series of panels at the Global Black Economic Village and across the festival. Executives will share their personal and professional insights as leaders and role models at the company.
