JULY 7, 2026

Rep. Jasmine Crockett says America owes Black women "everything" in Essence Festival speech

Rep. Jasmine Crockett, D-Texas, stated at the Essence Festival of Black Culture in New Orleans on July 4, 2026, that "when it comes to answering the question of what America owes Black women, the answer is everything." The congresswoman spoke at the annual event, which coincided with the 250th anniversary of American independence and also featured a performance by Cardi B and a speech by former first lady Michelle Obama.

Rep. Jasmine Crockett delivered remarks at the Essence Festival of Black Culture in New Orleans over the Independence Day weekend, telling attendees that America owes Black women "everything" in recognition of their historical and ongoing contributions to the country.

In her remarks, Crockett cited the history of enslaved Black women brought to the United States, describing Black women as "the backbone — specifically of the Democratic Party" and saying they are "always the ones doing the labor, but we are also the ones that are the first targets of any harm." She also called on attendees to "celebrate a Black woman that you know" on the Fourth of July, crediting Black women with contributions to invention and to what she described as a democracy "that still hangs by a thread right now."

Fox News, the sole outlet among the supplied sources to cover the story, led with the word "rants" in its headline and described Crockett as "controversial and outspoken," framing the story primarily around social media backlash to her comments. The outlet quoted several critical social media responses, including one user who said "Democracy is not hanging by a thread. That's insane," and another who stated "Your skin color doesn't make you special."