The daytime 2017 Essence Festival Empowerment Conference at the New Orleans Morial Convention Center will feature the cream of the crop in social media, entertainment, politics and inspiration.

June 30, -July 2, 2017

The event is free and open to the public.

"The stage will serve as the intersection of passion and purpose, bridging the gap between this generation’s most prominent voices in leadership," according to Essence website. "From today's social media activists and political visionaries, to those who have laid the groundwork before them, the conversations and keynote addresses set to take place will put the invaluable, intersectional voices of Black women at the forefront."

Keynote speakers are Iyanla Vanzant, Congresswoman Maxine Waters, Ava DuVernay, Rev. Al Sharpton, Dr. Michael Eric Dyson, Phaedra Parks, Tamika Mallory, April Reign, Mary Pat Hector and Cleo Wade. Additional names to be announced soon.

Cheryl Wills will host an all-star gospel tribute to Dr. Cissy Houston, a grammy-award winning and soul and gospel music icon

"This year’s ESSENCE Festival will be the largest gathering of African Americans following the presidential election, as activists and policymakers come together to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing our communities across America,” said ESSENCE Editor-in-Chief Vanessa K. De Luca. “Intergenerational programming spanning love, health, money, politics and religion will provide the tools to facilitate healing and growth through the sharing of expertise and experiences."

Political icon and Congresswoman Maxine Waters, as well as renowned civil rights

leader Reverened Al Sharpton will bring powerful messages of affecting change through action to help guide us through the current political climate.

Award-winning filmmaker Ava DuVernay, as well as RHOA star and attorney Phaedra Parks will each return to Festival to share valuable gems from their remarkable journeys in the entertainment industry.

Prolific author and speaker Dr. Michael Eric Dyson will make his ESSENCE Fest debut that's sure to make a lasting impact, #OscarsSoWhite creator April Reign will speak truth to power and expand on the work they've done to affect change.