Caroline Wanga, CEO of Essence, spoke with Harris for 25 minutes at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center on Saturday afternoon, but did not mention Biden’s disastrous debate performance last week or ask Harris whether she believes he ought to continue his candidacy.

As mounting calls for President Joe Biden to step down permeate through the Democratic party, Vice President Kamala Harris visited New Orleans to speak to a largely Black audience about the stakes of the 2024 election.

The Essence Festival of Culture 2024 is a multi-day event held from July 4 to July 7 in New Orleans. The event features notable guest speakers like Serena Williams and Kamala Harris along with performances by top acts like Janet Jackson, Usher, Victoria Monet, The Roots and D-Nice, among others.