NEW ORLEANS — The annual Essence Festival of Culture in New Orleans will kick off its 30th event over the Fourth of July weekend with iconic and legendary music artists, including Janet Jackson and Usher, who are headlining this year’s festival.

Vice President Kamala Harris will also attend this year’s festival, which kicks off Thursday and ends Sunday. Harris will join the Essence CEO for a conversation during the Global Black Economic Forum on Saturday.

The Essence Festival in an entertainment is held every year in New Orleans, and brings together influential artists who perform at the event. Policymakers, health professionals and more also attend and discuss issues communities of color face, and look for possible solutions.

More on the 30th Essence Festival of Culture and its history.