Maxine Waters Will Speak At 2017 Essence Fest

Source: Alex Wong / Getty

Everyone knows that when you get to hear “Auntie” Maxine Waters speak, you’re sure to come away with words of wisdom, sharp criticism for Washington corruption and foolery and some amazing support of her community. And we’re so excited that the Congresswoman has teamed up with Essence to be the keynote for this year’s 2017 Empowerment Expo.

HelloBeautiful spoke with Rep. Waters, who told us what fans can expect to hear from her at the expo.

“I am excited to be part of the empowerment conference and talking to Black women,” she said. “What they can expect is me showing how public policy is very important to their lives, and what it means to be involved in government and policy and how we have to pay attention. We have to show up.”

Rep. Waters tells HelloBeautiful that she is committed to helping to break down how policy works and how women can get involved in local office and social justice movements.

“[We need to] get involved deeper and learn what are the possibilities are, for not only employment and careers in politics, but for running for office and representing communities at different levels of government and understanding how important we are to this society and this democracy.”

“I believe that this is the time for Black women to provide the leadership to basically save this democracy,” she added.

Essence Fest will take place in New Orleans, LA on June 29-July 2, 2017, with Mary J. Blige as the headlining musical act. For more information, click here.

DON’T MISS:

Newly Reunited Xscape To Perform At 2017 Essence Fest

Maxine Waters On Trump: ‘I Wish Foreign Affairs Experts Would Tell Him To Shut Up And Just Stop It’

Women Of Color Need Not Play The Respectability Politics Game