Essence Festival Losing it's "Essence"?

The Essence Festival took place over the July 4th weekend, but many New Orleans locals observed that it didn’t feel as vibrant or "big" as in previous years. Some have speculated that the owner Richeileu Dennis, has claimed that the event is centered towards black Americans but the experience of the festival couldn't be farther from the truth. This sentiment touches on the nuanced differences between cultural identities: Africans (those born and raised in Africa), African Americans (those born in America with African heritage or a mix of African and American parentage),  Black Americans (those with generations of family born and raised in the United States, but are descendants of slaves) and FBA's (black Americans who were in America before slavery). While it’s important to embrace and respect these differences, it’s equally crucial to protect and honor spaces dedicated to celebrating culture without diminishing the other.