Pfizer Sponsors Essence Festival for Third Consecutive Year

Last month, over the long 4^th of July holiday weekend, Pfizer attended and sponsored the Essence Festival of Culture, the largest festival in the U.S., attracting over 500,000 attendees to New Orleans, for the third consecutive year. Since 2022, Pfizer has supported the Essence Festival to empower Black communities to advocate for their health and the health of their loved ones.

This year’s sponsorship, led by the Vaccine Adoption & Equity (VAE) team, featured collaborations with Pfizer’s Sickle Cell Disease and Cardiac Amyloidosis teams and our Global Black Community colleague resource group. Pfizer’s booth, custom designed by Atlanta-based artist Janine Lecour, engaged attendees in conversations on important topics impacting health outcomes in the Black community.

These conversations were aimed at educating and empowering Black women to take action on diseases that affect the Black community, including sickle cell anemia, amyloidosis, and vaccine-preventable diseases.

Over 8000 attendees visited the Pfizer booth to learn more by taking an interactive quiz, watching educational videos, engaging with Pfizer colleagues on topics important to the Black community, and other resources. Attendees were able to take photos, and Tap In To Your Health with Syncopated Ladies, a viral tap dance group.

“Essence helps us center the Black community as part of our work, meeting patients where they are to help overcome barriers and build trust, as part of Pfizer’s mission to become the most trusted health brand,” said Obi Ibekweh, Senior Director of Vaccines Adoption and Equity.

To round out the activities, attendees received giveaway bags containing a popular health journal designed to encourage them to jot down notes in preparation for conversations with their healthcare providers, including information on symptoms, screenings, and vaccinations. They also received a protective scarf featuring the booth design and a reminder to stay informed with updates from Pfizer.

“We were honored to represent Pfizer at Essence Festival of Culture 2024,” said Audra Robinson, Senior Manager, Vaccine Adoption & Equity Marketing. “Our goal in VAE is to work with and support the right organizations to help foster vaccine adoption, while reflecting key principles of cultural humility and health literacy, and Essence helps us connect with the community in a culturally meaningful way.”