Sheletta Brundidge

The most recent edition of Essence Fest earlier this month sparked several controversies. What needs to happen for it to rate as a winner again?

Essence Festival, a three-day celebration of Black culture, has been a staple of New Orleans summer season for decades, drawing visitors from around the world. The most recent edition earlier this month, though, sparked several controversies involving scheduling, setup and partnerships. Organizers say they are listening to concerns and that the festival will need more state and local support to be successful. We received several views on what it will take to make Essence a winner again. Here's what they said:

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"Mama Tina's gumbo was so good that after just two bites, I ran back up to her booth to compliment the chef," writes Sheletta Brundidge.