AT&T was proud to be back at ESSENCE Fest in a big way.

We kicked off the annual Day of Service by reaffirming our commitment to uplift and create opportunities in the lively city of New Orleans through Believe New Orleans^SM. AT&T employees, AT&T Believe^SM ambassadors and Girls United came together in true New Orleans fashion for a second line parade.

In its third year, Dream in Black brought the intersection of black culture, creativity, artistry and technology with notable names in music entertainment – from a high-spirited Hope NOLA celebrity basketball game to various superstar performances throughout the weekend. Dream in Black also donated $20,000 for scholarships to support youth in the Hope NOLA program.

And on Sunday, entertainers, influencers and AT&T executives coalesced to celebrate and empower black culture at the second-annual Dream in Black brunch. CEO-AT&T Communications John Donovan and AT&T VPs Angela Bakersville and Michelle Jordan sat down with entertainment correspondent Nischelle Turner, director Ava Duvernay and actress Zendaya to chat about what inspires them, finding success, and the importance of supporting others along the way.

It was an inspirational weekend – a nod to the richness of the past, hashtagging the present, and dreaming up the future.