{"id":1601,"date":"2026-07-08T10:42:17","date_gmt":"2026-07-08T05:42:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/?p=1601"},"modified":"2026-07-08T10:42:17","modified_gmt":"2026-07-08T05:42:17","slug":"essence-black-women-in-music-honors-music-mavens","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/?p=1601","title":{"rendered":"ESSENCE Black Women In Music Honors Music Mavens"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><script>\r\n  atOptions = {\r\n    'key' : '644b717812d811d6a1c1fc5b6ccd6fa6',\r\n    'format' : 'iframe',\r\n    'height' : 90,\r\n    'width' : 728,\r\n    'params' : {}\r\n  };\r\n<\/script>\r\n<script src=\"https:\/\/www.highperformanceformat.com\/644b717812d811d6a1c1fc5b6ccd6fa6\/invoke.js\"><\/script>\r\n<br \/>\n<\/p>\n<div itemprop=\"articleBody\">\n<section class=\"ione-key-points\">\n<ul>\n<li>Honorees include Brandy, Missy Elliott, Kandi Burruss, Monica, and Mona Scott-Young<\/li>\n<li>Speakers shared heartfelt stories and reflections on the artists&#8217; lasting influence<\/li>\n<li>Honorees encouraged embracing life&#8217;s challenges and using their gifts to uplift the community<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/section>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834703888727.jpg?w=1024&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80\" alt=\"ESSENCE Black Women In Music Luncheon\" class=\"wp-image-4600115\" srcset=\"https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834703888727.jpg?strip=all&amp;quality=80 1024w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834703888727.jpg?resize=300%2C200&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 300w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834703888727.jpg?resize=768%2C512&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 768w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834703888727.jpg?resize=180%2C120&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 180w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834703888727.jpg?resize=150%2C100&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 150w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834703888727.jpg?resize=75%2C50&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 75w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834703888727.jpg?resize=720%2C480&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 720w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834703888727.jpg?resize=900%2C600&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 900w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834703888727.jpg?resize=450%2C300&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 450w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834703888727.jpg?resize=600%2C400&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 600w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834703888727.jpg?resize=250%2C167&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 250w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834703888727.jpg?resize=220%2C147&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 220w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834703888727.jpg?resize=245%2C163&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 245w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834703888727.jpg?resize=129%2C86&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 129w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834703888727.jpg?resize=144%2C96&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 144w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834703888727.jpg?resize=50%2C33&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 50w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Source: Josh Brasted \/ Getty<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Five melanin magic makers stepped into the spotlight in <a href=\"https:\/\/bossip.com\/4599940\/coca-cola-essence-festival\/\" type=\"post\" id=\"4599940\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">New Orleans,<\/a> as family, friends and fellow stars gathered to celebrate their light and legacy.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834705213114.jpg?w=1024&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80\" alt=\"ESSENCE Black Women In Music Luncheon\" class=\"wp-image-4600120\" srcset=\"https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834705213114.jpg?strip=all&amp;quality=80 1024w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834705213114.jpg?resize=300%2C200&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 300w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834705213114.jpg?resize=768%2C512&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 768w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834705213114.jpg?resize=180%2C120&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 180w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834705213114.jpg?resize=150%2C100&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 150w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834705213114.jpg?resize=75%2C50&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 75w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834705213114.jpg?resize=720%2C480&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 720w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834705213114.jpg?resize=900%2C600&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 900w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834705213114.jpg?resize=450%2C300&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 450w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834705213114.jpg?resize=600%2C400&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 600w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834705213114.jpg?resize=250%2C167&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 250w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834705213114.jpg?resize=220%2C147&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 220w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834705213114.jpg?resize=245%2C163&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 245w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834705213114.jpg?resize=129%2C86&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 129w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834705213114.jpg?resize=144%2C96&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 144w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834705213114.jpg?resize=50%2C33&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 50w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Source: Josh Brasted \/ Getty<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">ESSENCE Black Women In Music returned Sunday and honored<a href=\"https:\/\/bossip.com\/4543830\/brandy-phases-darkchild-beyonce-kanye-west\/\" type=\"post\" id=\"4543830\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"> Brandy,<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/bossip.com\/4595030\/missy-elliot-louis-vuitton\/\" type=\"post\" id=\"4595030\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Missy Elliott,<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/bossip.com\/4599927\/tamar-braxton-kandi-burruss-essence-festival-encounter\/\" type=\"post\" id=\"4599927\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Kandi Burruss<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/bossip.com\/4579384\/monica-mourns-death-father-mc-arnold-jr\/\" type=\"post\" id=\"4579384\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Monica<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/bossip.com\/tag\/mona-scott-young\/\" type=\"post_tag\" id=\"16369852\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Mona Scott-Young<\/a> for their creative contributions to music and culture. <\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834704624561.jpg?w=1024&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80\" alt=\"ESSENCE Black Women In Music Luncheon\" class=\"wp-image-4600116\" srcset=\"https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834704624561.jpg?strip=all&amp;quality=80 1024w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834704624561.jpg?resize=300%2C200&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 300w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834704624561.jpg?resize=768%2C512&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 768w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834704624561.jpg?resize=180%2C120&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 180w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834704624561.jpg?resize=150%2C100&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 150w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834704624561.jpg?resize=75%2C50&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 75w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834704624561.jpg?resize=720%2C480&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 720w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834704624561.jpg?resize=900%2C600&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 900w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834704624561.jpg?resize=450%2C300&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 450w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834704624561.jpg?resize=600%2C400&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 600w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834704624561.jpg?resize=250%2C167&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 250w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834704624561.jpg?resize=220%2C147&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 220w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834704624561.jpg?resize=245%2C163&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 245w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834704624561.jpg?resize=129%2C86&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 129w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834704624561.jpg?resize=144%2C96&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 144w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834704624561.jpg?resize=50%2C33&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 50w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Source: Josh Brasted \/ Getty<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Hosted by Anthony Anderon, the afternoon was filled with heartfelt homages, surprise stories and moving moments as the star\u2019s peers reflected on each honoree\u2019s lasting influence. <\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"726\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834418686444.jpg?w=1024&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80\" alt=\"ESSENCE Black Women In Music Luncheon\" class=\"wp-image-4599977\" srcset=\"https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834418686444.jpg?strip=all&amp;quality=80 1024w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834418686444.jpg?resize=300%2C213&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 300w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834418686444.jpg?resize=768%2C545&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 768w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834418686444.jpg?resize=180%2C128&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 180w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834418686444.jpg?resize=141%2C100&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 141w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834418686444.jpg?resize=282%2C200&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 282w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834418686444.jpg?resize=71%2C50&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 71w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834418686444.jpg?resize=677%2C480&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 677w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834418686444.jpg?resize=846%2C600&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 846w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834418686444.jpg?resize=450%2C319&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 450w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834418686444.jpg?resize=600%2C425&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 600w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834418686444.jpg?resize=900%2C638&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 900w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834418686444.jpg?resize=250%2C177&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 250w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834418686444.jpg?resize=207%2C147&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 207w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834418686444.jpg?resize=245%2C174&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 245w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834418686444.jpg?resize=121%2C86&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 121w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834418686444.jpg?resize=144%2C102&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 144w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834418686444.jpg?resize=50%2C35&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 50w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Source: Josh Brasted \/ Getty<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Among the standout tributes, Teyana Taylor introduced Missy Elliott and thanked her for \u201cmaking different the standard\u201d\u2026<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834701228007.jpg?w=1024&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80\" alt=\"ESSENCE Black Women In Music Luncheon\" class=\"wp-image-4600113\" srcset=\"https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834701228007.jpg?strip=all&amp;quality=80 1024w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834701228007.jpg?resize=300%2C200&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 300w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834701228007.jpg?resize=768%2C512&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 768w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834701228007.jpg?resize=180%2C120&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 180w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834701228007.jpg?resize=150%2C100&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 150w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834701228007.jpg?resize=75%2C50&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 75w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834701228007.jpg?resize=720%2C480&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 720w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834701228007.jpg?resize=900%2C600&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 900w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834701228007.jpg?resize=450%2C300&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 450w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834701228007.jpg?resize=600%2C400&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 600w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834701228007.jpg?resize=250%2C167&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 250w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834701228007.jpg?resize=220%2C147&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 220w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834701228007.jpg?resize=245%2C163&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 245w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834701228007.jpg?resize=129%2C86&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 129w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834701228007.jpg?resize=144%2C96&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 144w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834701228007.jpg?resize=50%2C33&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 50w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Source: Josh Brasted \/ Getty<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Sherri Shepherd celebrated Kandi Burruss for gifting the world hits like \u201cBills, Bills, Bills\u201d and \u201cNo Scrubs\u201d\u2026<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834418801304.jpg?w=1024&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80\" alt=\"ESSENCE Black Women In Music Luncheon\" class=\"wp-image-4599979\" srcset=\"https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834418801304.jpg?strip=all&amp;quality=80 1024w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834418801304.jpg?resize=300%2C200&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 300w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834418801304.jpg?resize=768%2C512&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 768w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834418801304.jpg?resize=180%2C120&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 180w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834418801304.jpg?resize=150%2C100&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 150w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834418801304.jpg?resize=75%2C50&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 75w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834418801304.jpg?resize=720%2C480&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 720w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834418801304.jpg?resize=900%2C600&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 900w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834418801304.jpg?resize=450%2C300&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 450w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834418801304.jpg?resize=600%2C400&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 600w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834418801304.jpg?resize=250%2C167&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 250w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834418801304.jpg?resize=220%2C147&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 220w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834418801304.jpg?resize=245%2C163&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 245w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834418801304.jpg?resize=129%2C86&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 129w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834418801304.jpg?resize=144%2C96&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 144w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834418801304.jpg?resize=50%2C33&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 50w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Source: Josh Brasted \/ Getty<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"> and Tyrese told a deep cut story about \u201cThe Boy Is Mine\u201d while honoring his longtime friend Brandy.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"683\" height=\"1024\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17833575576126.jpg?w=683&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80\" alt=\"ESSENCE Black Women In Music Luncheon\" class=\"wp-image-4599680\" srcset=\"https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17833575576126.jpg?strip=all&amp;quality=80 683w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17833575576126.jpg?resize=147%2C220&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 147w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17833575576126.jpg?resize=200%2C300&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 200w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17833575576126.jpg?resize=180%2C270&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 180w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17833575576126.jpg?resize=67%2C100&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 67w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17833575576126.jpg?resize=133%2C200&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 133w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17833575576126.jpg?resize=33%2C50&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 33w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17833575576126.jpg?resize=320%2C480&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 320w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17833575576126.jpg?resize=400%2C600&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 400w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17833575576126.jpg?resize=600%2C900&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 600w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17833575576126.jpg?resize=300%2C450&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 300w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17833575576126.jpg?resize=167%2C250&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 167w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17833575576126.jpg?resize=98%2C147&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 98w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17833575576126.jpg?resize=245%2C367&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 245w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17833575576126.jpg?resize=57%2C86&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 57w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17833575576126.jpg?resize=144%2C216&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 144w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Source: Josh Brasted \/ Getty<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cWhen I think about the essence of a woman, I don\u2019t think about perfection,\u201d Brandy said after accepting her honor. \u201cI think about becoming. I think about rising. I think about surviving seasons that no one applauds.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Reflecting on the peaks and valleys of her decades-long career, the Becoming author said there were seasons when she questioned whether her voice still mattered. Yet, she said those quieter moments became opportunities for spiritual growth.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"683\" height=\"1024\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17833583598664.jpg?w=683&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80\" alt=\"ESSENCE Black Women In Music Luncheon\" class=\"wp-image-4599691\" srcset=\"https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17833583598664.jpg?strip=all&amp;quality=80 683w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17833583598664.jpg?resize=147%2C220&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 147w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17833583598664.jpg?resize=200%2C300&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 200w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17833583598664.jpg?resize=180%2C270&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 180w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17833583598664.jpg?resize=67%2C100&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 67w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17833583598664.jpg?resize=133%2C200&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 133w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17833583598664.jpg?resize=33%2C50&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 33w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17833583598664.jpg?resize=320%2C480&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 320w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17833583598664.jpg?resize=400%2C600&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 400w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17833583598664.jpg?resize=600%2C900&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 600w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17833583598664.jpg?resize=300%2C450&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 300w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17833583598664.jpg?resize=167%2C250&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 167w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17833583598664.jpg?resize=98%2C147&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 98w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17833583598664.jpg?resize=245%2C367&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 245w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17833583598664.jpg?resize=57%2C86&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 57w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17833583598664.jpg?resize=144%2C216&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 144w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Source: Josh Brasted \/ Getty<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cWhile I thought I was hidden, God was building me; building my spirit, building my character, building my compassion, building my patience,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Describing every song as \u201ca prayer\u201d and every stage as \u201can altar,\u201d Brandy encouraged the audience to embrace life\u2019s detours.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cDon\u2019t mistake delay for denial. Don\u2019t mistake silence for absence. Don\u2019t mistake hits and misses for failure,\u201d she said. \u201cYour story is still being written.\u201d<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17833576191157.jpg?w=1024&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80\" alt=\"ESSENCE Black Women In Music Luncheon\" class=\"wp-image-4599683\" srcset=\"https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17833576191157.jpg?strip=all&amp;quality=80 1024w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17833576191157.jpg?resize=300%2C200&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 300w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17833576191157.jpg?resize=768%2C512&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 768w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17833576191157.jpg?resize=180%2C120&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 180w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17833576191157.jpg?resize=150%2C100&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 150w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17833576191157.jpg?resize=75%2C50&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 75w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17833576191157.jpg?resize=720%2C480&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 720w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17833576191157.jpg?resize=900%2C600&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 900w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17833576191157.jpg?resize=450%2C300&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 450w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17833576191157.jpg?resize=600%2C400&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 600w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17833576191157.jpg?resize=250%2C167&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 250w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17833576191157.jpg?resize=220%2C147&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 220w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17833576191157.jpg?resize=245%2C163&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 245w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17833576191157.jpg?resize=129%2C86&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 129w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17833576191157.jpg?resize=144%2C96&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 144w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17833576191157.jpg?resize=50%2C33&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 50w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Source: Josh Brasted \/ Getty<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Missy Elliott echoed that message by turning the spotlight toward community, reminding attendees that success is meant to be shared.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cWhen God gives you a gift, it\u2019s not to just harbor it,\u201d Missy said. \u201cIt is to share it.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The hip-hop icon applauded the women recognized alongside her, saying it was gratifying to see artists from her generation finally receive their \u201cforest,\u201d not just flowers, after decades of groundbreaking work.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">She also reflected on Monica\u2019s unwavering support during one of the most difficult periods of her life, recalling that when illness made it difficult to write, Monica simply told her, \u201cGive me the pen. I\u2019ll write the words down.\u201d<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-instagram wp-block-embed-instagram\"\/>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Missy also praised presenter Teyana Taylor, recalling the first time she heard Taylor sing in the studio.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cI said, \u2018This girl is a star,&#8217;\u201d Missy remembered. \u201cSometimes we don\u2019t even see these things in ourselves until somebody comes along.\u201d<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834701228007.jpg?w=1024&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80\" alt=\"ESSENCE Black Women In Music Luncheon\" class=\"wp-image-4600113\" srcset=\"https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834701228007.jpg?strip=all&amp;quality=80 1024w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834701228007.jpg?resize=300%2C200&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 300w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834701228007.jpg?resize=768%2C512&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 768w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834701228007.jpg?resize=180%2C120&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 180w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834701228007.jpg?resize=150%2C100&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 150w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834701228007.jpg?resize=75%2C50&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 75w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834701228007.jpg?resize=720%2C480&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 720w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834701228007.jpg?resize=900%2C600&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 900w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834701228007.jpg?resize=450%2C300&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 450w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834701228007.jpg?resize=600%2C400&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 600w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834701228007.jpg?resize=250%2C167&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 250w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834701228007.jpg?resize=220%2C147&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 220w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834701228007.jpg?resize=245%2C163&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 245w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834701228007.jpg?resize=129%2C86&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 129w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834701228007.jpg?resize=144%2C96&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 144w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834701228007.jpg?resize=50%2C33&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 50w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Source: Josh Brasted \/ Getty<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Kandi Burruss, meanwhile, reflected on the significance of sharing the stage with women she has admired throughout her career.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cI\u2019m thankful to be accepting an award and being recognized with so many people that I truly love, like Mona Scott-Young and Missy Elliott,\u201d Kandi said.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834418841004.jpg?w=1024&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80\" alt=\"ESSENCE Black Women In Music Luncheon\" class=\"wp-image-4599980\" srcset=\"https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834418841004.jpg?strip=all&amp;quality=80 1024w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834418841004.jpg?resize=300%2C200&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 300w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834418841004.jpg?resize=768%2C512&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 768w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834418841004.jpg?resize=180%2C120&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 180w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834418841004.jpg?resize=150%2C100&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 150w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834418841004.jpg?resize=75%2C50&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 75w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834418841004.jpg?resize=720%2C480&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 720w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834418841004.jpg?resize=900%2C600&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 900w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834418841004.jpg?resize=450%2C300&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 450w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834418841004.jpg?resize=600%2C400&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 600w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834418841004.jpg?resize=250%2C167&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 250w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834418841004.jpg?resize=220%2C147&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 220w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834418841004.jpg?resize=245%2C163&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 245w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834418841004.jpg?resize=129%2C86&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 129w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834418841004.jpg?resize=144%2C96&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 144w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834418841004.jpg?resize=50%2C33&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 50w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Source: Josh Brasted \/ Getty<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">And the event reached an emotional crescendo when Monica accepted the Luminary Award just one month after the passing of her father. As previously reported Monica\u2019s <\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cIt\u2019s only been a month since I lost my father,\u201d she shared. \u201cI say it with joy because I know what awaits us on the other side.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Monica reflected on rebuilding her relationship with her father, a journey that eventually allowed her to introduce him to Michelle Obama before his passing. She also celebrated reuniting with Brandy onstage the night before at ESSENCE Fest, describing their renewed partnership as one built on \u201cdifferent minds, but aligned hearts.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">She closed with a message that perfectly encapsulated the spirit of the afternoon.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cWhen you think \u2018luminary,\u2019 you think light,\u201d Monica said. \u201cMy goal is that no matter where I am; mentoring, loving, singing or simply showing up; bringing the light is important.\u201d<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-instagram wp-block-embed-instagram\"\/>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The event also included appearances from LeToya Luckett, DaVinchi, Tamar Braxton, Teedra Moses and Dawn Richard.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">See more ESSENCE Black Women In Music photos below.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-1 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"683\" height=\"1024\" loading=\"lazy\" data-id=\"4600121\" src=\"https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/178347056428.jpg?quality=80&amp;strip=all\" alt=\"ESSENCE Black Women In Music Luncheon\" class=\"wp-image-4600121\" srcset=\"https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/178347056428.jpg?strip=all&amp;quality=80 683w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/178347056428.jpg?resize=147%2C220&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 147w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/178347056428.jpg?resize=200%2C300&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 200w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/178347056428.jpg?resize=180%2C270&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 180w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/178347056428.jpg?resize=67%2C100&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 67w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/178347056428.jpg?resize=133%2C200&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 133w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/178347056428.jpg?resize=33%2C50&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 33w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/178347056428.jpg?resize=320%2C480&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 320w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/178347056428.jpg?resize=400%2C600&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 400w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/178347056428.jpg?resize=600%2C900&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 600w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/178347056428.jpg?resize=300%2C450&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 300w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/178347056428.jpg?resize=167%2C250&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 167w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/178347056428.jpg?resize=98%2C147&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 98w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/178347056428.jpg?resize=245%2C367&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 245w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/178347056428.jpg?resize=57%2C86&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 57w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/178347056428.jpg?resize=144%2C216&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 144w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Josh Brasted<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" loading=\"lazy\" data-id=\"4600120\" src=\"https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834705213114.jpg?quality=80&amp;strip=all\" alt=\"ESSENCE Black Women In Music Luncheon\" class=\"wp-image-4600120\" srcset=\"https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834705213114.jpg?strip=all&amp;quality=80 1024w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834705213114.jpg?resize=300%2C200&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 300w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834705213114.jpg?resize=768%2C512&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 768w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834705213114.jpg?resize=180%2C120&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 180w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834705213114.jpg?resize=150%2C100&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 150w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834705213114.jpg?resize=75%2C50&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 75w, 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https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834705213114.jpg?resize=129%2C86&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 129w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834705213114.jpg?resize=144%2C96&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 144w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834705213114.jpg?resize=50%2C33&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 50w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Josh Brasted<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"683\" height=\"1024\" loading=\"lazy\" data-id=\"4599973\" src=\"https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834418070871.jpg?quality=80&amp;strip=all\" alt=\"ESSENCE Black Women In Music Luncheon\" class=\"wp-image-4599973\" srcset=\"https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834418070871.jpg?strip=all&amp;quality=80 683w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834418070871.jpg?resize=147%2C220&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 147w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834418070871.jpg?resize=200%2C300&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 200w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834418070871.jpg?resize=180%2C270&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 180w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834418070871.jpg?resize=67%2C100&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 67w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834418070871.jpg?resize=133%2C200&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 133w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834418070871.jpg?resize=33%2C50&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 33w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834418070871.jpg?resize=320%2C480&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 320w, 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https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834418070871.jpg?resize=144%2C216&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 144w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Josh Brasted<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"683\" height=\"1024\" loading=\"lazy\" data-id=\"4599975\" src=\"https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/1783441838285.jpg?quality=80&amp;strip=all\" alt=\"ESSENCE Black Women In Music Luncheon\" class=\"wp-image-4599975\" srcset=\"https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/1783441838285.jpg?strip=all&amp;quality=80 683w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/1783441838285.jpg?resize=147%2C220&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 147w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/1783441838285.jpg?resize=200%2C300&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 200w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/1783441838285.jpg?resize=180%2C270&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 180w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/1783441838285.jpg?resize=67%2C100&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 67w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/1783441838285.jpg?resize=133%2C200&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 133w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/1783441838285.jpg?resize=33%2C50&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 33w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/1783441838285.jpg?resize=320%2C480&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 320w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/1783441838285.jpg?resize=400%2C600&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 400w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/1783441838285.jpg?resize=600%2C900&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 600w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/1783441838285.jpg?resize=300%2C450&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 300w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/1783441838285.jpg?resize=167%2C250&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 167w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/1783441838285.jpg?resize=98%2C147&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 98w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/1783441838285.jpg?resize=245%2C367&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 245w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/1783441838285.jpg?resize=57%2C86&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 57w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/1783441838285.jpg?resize=144%2C216&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 144w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Josh Brasted<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" loading=\"lazy\" data-id=\"4600117\" src=\"https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834704684215.jpg?quality=80&amp;strip=all\" alt=\"ESSENCE Black Women In Music Luncheon\" class=\"wp-image-4600117\" srcset=\"https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834704684215.jpg?strip=all&amp;quality=80 1024w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834704684215.jpg?resize=300%2C200&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 300w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834704684215.jpg?resize=768%2C512&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 768w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834704684215.jpg?resize=180%2C120&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 180w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834704684215.jpg?resize=150%2C100&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 150w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834704684215.jpg?resize=75%2C50&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 75w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834704684215.jpg?resize=720%2C480&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 720w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834704684215.jpg?resize=900%2C600&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 900w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834704684215.jpg?resize=450%2C300&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 450w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834704684215.jpg?resize=600%2C400&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 600w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834704684215.jpg?resize=250%2C167&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 250w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834704684215.jpg?resize=220%2C147&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 220w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834704684215.jpg?resize=245%2C163&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 245w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834704684215.jpg?resize=129%2C86&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 129w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834704684215.jpg?resize=144%2C96&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 144w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834704684215.jpg?resize=50%2C33&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 50w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Josh Brasted<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" loading=\"lazy\" data-id=\"4599970\" src=\"https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834417913227.jpg?quality=80&amp;strip=all\" alt=\"ESSENCE Black Women In Music Luncheon\" class=\"wp-image-4599970\" srcset=\"https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834417913227.jpg?strip=all&amp;quality=80 1024w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834417913227.jpg?resize=300%2C200&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 300w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834417913227.jpg?resize=768%2C512&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 768w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834417913227.jpg?resize=180%2C120&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 180w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834417913227.jpg?resize=150%2C100&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 150w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834417913227.jpg?resize=75%2C50&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 75w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834417913227.jpg?resize=720%2C480&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 720w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834417913227.jpg?resize=900%2C600&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 900w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834417913227.jpg?resize=450%2C300&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 450w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834417913227.jpg?resize=600%2C400&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 600w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834417913227.jpg?resize=250%2C167&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 250w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834417913227.jpg?resize=220%2C147&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 220w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834417913227.jpg?resize=245%2C163&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 245w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834417913227.jpg?resize=129%2C86&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 129w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834417913227.jpg?resize=144%2C96&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 144w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834417913227.jpg?resize=50%2C33&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 50w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Josh Brasted<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"726\" loading=\"lazy\" data-id=\"4599977\" src=\"https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834418686444.jpg?quality=80&amp;strip=all\" alt=\"ESSENCE Black Women In Music Luncheon\" class=\"wp-image-4599977\" srcset=\"https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834418686444.jpg?strip=all&amp;quality=80 1024w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834418686444.jpg?resize=300%2C213&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 300w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834418686444.jpg?resize=768%2C545&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 768w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834418686444.jpg?resize=180%2C128&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 180w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834418686444.jpg?resize=141%2C100&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 141w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834418686444.jpg?resize=282%2C200&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 282w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834418686444.jpg?resize=71%2C50&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 71w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834418686444.jpg?resize=677%2C480&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 677w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834418686444.jpg?resize=846%2C600&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 846w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834418686444.jpg?resize=450%2C319&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 450w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834418686444.jpg?resize=600%2C425&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 600w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834418686444.jpg?resize=900%2C638&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 900w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834418686444.jpg?resize=250%2C177&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 250w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834418686444.jpg?resize=207%2C147&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 207w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834418686444.jpg?resize=245%2C174&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 245w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834418686444.jpg?resize=121%2C86&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 121w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834418686444.jpg?resize=144%2C102&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 144w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834418686444.jpg?resize=50%2C35&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 50w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Josh Brasted<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"683\" height=\"1024\" loading=\"lazy\" data-id=\"4599978\" src=\"https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834418715081.jpg?quality=80&amp;strip=all\" alt=\"ESSENCE Black Women In Music Luncheon\" class=\"wp-image-4599978\" srcset=\"https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834418715081.jpg?strip=all&amp;quality=80 683w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834418715081.jpg?resize=147%2C220&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 147w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834418715081.jpg?resize=200%2C300&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 200w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834418715081.jpg?resize=180%2C270&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 180w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834418715081.jpg?resize=67%2C100&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 67w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834418715081.jpg?resize=133%2C200&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 133w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834418715081.jpg?resize=33%2C50&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 33w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834418715081.jpg?resize=320%2C480&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 320w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834418715081.jpg?resize=400%2C600&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 400w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834418715081.jpg?resize=600%2C900&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 600w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834418715081.jpg?resize=300%2C450&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 300w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834418715081.jpg?resize=167%2C250&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 167w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834418715081.jpg?resize=98%2C147&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 98w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834418715081.jpg?resize=245%2C367&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 245w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834418715081.jpg?resize=57%2C86&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 57w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834418715081.jpg?resize=144%2C216&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 144w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Josh Brasted<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" loading=\"lazy\" data-id=\"4599969\" src=\"https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834417842232.jpg?quality=80&amp;strip=all\" alt=\"ESSENCE Black Women In Music Luncheon\" class=\"wp-image-4599969\" srcset=\"https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834417842232.jpg?strip=all&amp;quality=80 1024w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834417842232.jpg?resize=300%2C200&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 300w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834417842232.jpg?resize=768%2C512&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 768w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834417842232.jpg?resize=180%2C120&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 180w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834417842232.jpg?resize=150%2C100&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 150w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834417842232.jpg?resize=75%2C50&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 75w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834417842232.jpg?resize=720%2C480&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 720w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834417842232.jpg?resize=900%2C600&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 900w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834417842232.jpg?resize=450%2C300&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 450w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834417842232.jpg?resize=600%2C400&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 600w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834417842232.jpg?resize=250%2C167&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 250w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834417842232.jpg?resize=220%2C147&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 220w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834417842232.jpg?resize=245%2C163&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 245w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834417842232.jpg?resize=129%2C86&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 129w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834417842232.jpg?resize=144%2C96&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 144w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834417842232.jpg?resize=50%2C33&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 50w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Josh Brasted<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" loading=\"lazy\" data-id=\"4599686\" src=\"https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17833582725476.jpg?quality=80&amp;strip=all\" alt=\"ESSENCE Black Women In Music Luncheon\" class=\"wp-image-4599686\" srcset=\"https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17833582725476.jpg?strip=all&amp;quality=80 1024w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17833582725476.jpg?resize=300%2C200&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 300w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17833582725476.jpg?resize=768%2C512&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 768w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17833582725476.jpg?resize=180%2C120&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 180w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17833582725476.jpg?resize=150%2C100&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 150w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17833582725476.jpg?resize=75%2C50&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 75w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17833582725476.jpg?resize=720%2C480&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 720w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17833582725476.jpg?resize=900%2C600&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 900w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17833582725476.jpg?resize=450%2C300&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 450w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17833582725476.jpg?resize=600%2C400&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 600w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17833582725476.jpg?resize=250%2C167&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 250w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17833582725476.jpg?resize=220%2C147&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 220w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17833582725476.jpg?resize=245%2C163&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 245w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17833582725476.jpg?resize=129%2C86&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 129w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17833582725476.jpg?resize=144%2C96&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 144w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17833582725476.jpg?resize=50%2C33&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 50w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Josh Brasted<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" loading=\"lazy\" data-id=\"4599684\" src=\"https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17833577160785.jpg?quality=80&amp;strip=all\" alt=\"ESSENCE Black Women In Music Luncheon\" class=\"wp-image-4599684\" srcset=\"https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17833577160785.jpg?strip=all&amp;quality=80 1024w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17833577160785.jpg?resize=300%2C200&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 300w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17833577160785.jpg?resize=768%2C512&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 768w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17833577160785.jpg?resize=180%2C120&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 180w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17833577160785.jpg?resize=150%2C100&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 150w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17833577160785.jpg?resize=75%2C50&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 75w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17833577160785.jpg?resize=720%2C480&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 720w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17833577160785.jpg?resize=900%2C600&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 900w, 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https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17833577160785.jpg?resize=50%2C33&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 50w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Josh Brasted<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" loading=\"lazy\" data-id=\"4599683\" src=\"https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17833576191157.jpg?quality=80&amp;strip=all\" alt=\"ESSENCE Black Women In Music Luncheon\" class=\"wp-image-4599683\" srcset=\"https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17833576191157.jpg?strip=all&amp;quality=80 1024w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17833576191157.jpg?resize=300%2C200&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 300w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17833576191157.jpg?resize=768%2C512&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 768w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17833576191157.jpg?resize=180%2C120&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 180w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17833576191157.jpg?resize=150%2C100&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 150w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17833576191157.jpg?resize=75%2C50&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 75w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17833576191157.jpg?resize=720%2C480&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 720w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17833576191157.jpg?resize=900%2C600&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 900w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17833576191157.jpg?resize=450%2C300&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 450w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17833576191157.jpg?resize=600%2C400&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 600w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17833576191157.jpg?resize=250%2C167&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 250w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17833576191157.jpg?resize=220%2C147&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 220w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17833576191157.jpg?resize=245%2C163&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 245w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17833576191157.jpg?resize=129%2C86&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 129w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17833576191157.jpg?resize=144%2C96&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 144w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17833576191157.jpg?resize=50%2C33&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 50w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Josh Brasted<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"683\" height=\"1024\" loading=\"lazy\" data-id=\"4599680\" src=\"https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17833575576126.jpg?quality=80&amp;strip=all\" alt=\"ESSENCE Black Women In Music Luncheon\" class=\"wp-image-4599680\" srcset=\"https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17833575576126.jpg?strip=all&amp;quality=80 683w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17833575576126.jpg?resize=147%2C220&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 147w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17833575576126.jpg?resize=200%2C300&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 200w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17833575576126.jpg?resize=180%2C270&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 180w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17833575576126.jpg?resize=67%2C100&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 67w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17833575576126.jpg?resize=133%2C200&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 133w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17833575576126.jpg?resize=33%2C50&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 33w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17833575576126.jpg?resize=320%2C480&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 320w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17833575576126.jpg?resize=400%2C600&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 400w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17833575576126.jpg?resize=600%2C900&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 600w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17833575576126.jpg?resize=300%2C450&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 300w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17833575576126.jpg?resize=167%2C250&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 167w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17833575576126.jpg?resize=98%2C147&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 98w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17833575576126.jpg?resize=245%2C367&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 245w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17833575576126.jpg?resize=57%2C86&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 57w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17833575576126.jpg?resize=144%2C216&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 144w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Josh Brasted<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"683\" height=\"1024\" loading=\"lazy\" data-id=\"4599691\" src=\"https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17833583598664.jpg?quality=80&amp;strip=all\" alt=\"ESSENCE Black Women In Music Luncheon\" class=\"wp-image-4599691\" srcset=\"https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17833583598664.jpg?strip=all&amp;quality=80 683w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17833583598664.jpg?resize=147%2C220&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 147w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17833583598664.jpg?resize=200%2C300&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 200w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17833583598664.jpg?resize=180%2C270&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 180w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17833583598664.jpg?resize=67%2C100&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 67w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17833583598664.jpg?resize=133%2C200&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 133w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17833583598664.jpg?resize=33%2C50&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 33w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17833583598664.jpg?resize=320%2C480&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 320w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17833583598664.jpg?resize=400%2C600&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 400w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17833583598664.jpg?resize=600%2C900&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 600w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17833583598664.jpg?resize=300%2C450&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 300w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17833583598664.jpg?resize=167%2C250&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 167w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17833583598664.jpg?resize=98%2C147&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 98w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17833583598664.jpg?resize=245%2C367&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 245w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17833583598664.jpg?resize=57%2C86&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 57w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17833583598664.jpg?resize=144%2C216&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 144w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Josh Brasted<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"731\" height=\"1024\" loading=\"lazy\" data-id=\"4599682\" src=\"https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17833576105087.jpg?quality=80&amp;strip=all\" alt=\"ESSENCE Black Women In Music Luncheon\" class=\"wp-image-4599682\" srcset=\"https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17833576105087.jpg?strip=all&amp;quality=80 731w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17833576105087.jpg?resize=157%2C220&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 157w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17833576105087.jpg?resize=214%2C300&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 214w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17833576105087.jpg?resize=180%2C252&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 180w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17833576105087.jpg?resize=250%2C350&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 250w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17833576105087.jpg?resize=500%2C700&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 500w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17833576105087.jpg?resize=125%2C175&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 125w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17833576105087.jpg?resize=71%2C100&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 71w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17833576105087.jpg?resize=143%2C200&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 143w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17833576105087.jpg?resize=36%2C50&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 36w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17833576105087.jpg?resize=343%2C480&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 343w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17833576105087.jpg?resize=428%2C600&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 428w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17833576105087.jpg?resize=642%2C900&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 642w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17833576105087.jpg?resize=321%2C450&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 321w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17833576105087.jpg?resize=178%2C250&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 178w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17833576105087.jpg?resize=105%2C147&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 105w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17833576105087.jpg?resize=245%2C343&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 245w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17833576105087.jpg?resize=61%2C86&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 61w, https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17833576105087.jpg?resize=144%2C202&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 144w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 731px) 100vw, 731px\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Josh Brasted<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" loading=\"lazy\" data-id=\"4599976\" src=\"https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834418526903.jpg?quality=80&amp;strip=all\" alt=\"ESSENCE Black Women In Music Luncheon\" class=\"wp-image-4599976\" srcset=\"https:\/\/bossip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/07\/17834418526903.jpg?strip=all&amp;quality=80 1024w, 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gifts to uplift the community Source: Josh Brasted \/ Getty Five melanin magic makers stepped into the spotlight in New Orleans, as family, friends 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