DEARBORN, Mich., June 26, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Ford Motor
Company returns to New Orleans
this July 4 as the exclusive
automotive sponsor of the Essence Festival for the 11th consecutive
year. In marking the 25th anniversary of this celebration of
African American arts and culture, Ford will "Paint the Future
Proud," showcasing the work of African American female visual
artists and celebrating art in its many forms. Through its Drive
for Your Community program, Ford is donating $20 per test drive to Warriors in Pink to support
the fight against breast cancer. Donations will also go to the New
Orleans African American Museum and Tom Joyner Foundation to
support African American history and culture, as well as to
Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
To honor the pride, confidence and strength of the African
American community, Detroit-based
artist Sydney G. James is creating a
22x10-foot mural on canvas presenting the regal power of African
American women. This commissioned work will be on display at the
Ford booth in the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center.
Ford's Hot Right Now super-lounge in the Superdome is featuring
the "Proud to Be Me" art gallery, with work from British artist
Shantell Martin and Atlanta-based artist Melissa Mitchell. Known for her large-scale
black-and-white drawings, Martin is creating an installation area
integrating the sound system speakers featured in Ford vehicles.
Mitchell is bringing her love for vibrant colors, unique shapes and
bold dark lines to a digital gallery within the space.
More festival highlights include:
- Music: Ford's Hot Right Now super-lounge is featuring
performances by some of today's most exciting musical artists —
Normani, Jacquees, Elle Varner,
Aluna George, Queen Najia and VanJess.
- Panel discussions: Entrepreneur Melissa Butler of The Lip Bar, the Travel
Channel's "Mysterious Island" host Kellee
Edwards and visual artists are conducting panel discussions
from the Ford stage in the convention center.
- Activation area: Attendees can engage with Ford
technology through an immersive virtual reality test drive, sit for
a custom caricature, glam up their look with a free lip makeover or
pose for a shareable photo in the Mustang freeze frame.
- Giveaways: On Sunday at the Superdome, comedian
Loni Love and Dibrie Guerrero, Ford
multicultural communications manager, uphold Essence Festival
tradition of giving away a brand-new Ford vehicle to one lucky
winner.
"The power to positively impact the African American community
and share in culture is amazing," said Guerrero. "There's no better way to highlight
the spirit and beauty of the community than through art at the
Essence Festival. Ford is proud to show its continued support for
all women who demonstrate strength and leadership in their
community."
Keep up on all the fun Ford and Essence Festival attendees will
have by following #MyFordFam and #ESSENCEFest.
To learn more about Ford's newest products, log on to
www.ford.com.
About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company is a global company based in Dearborn, Michigan. The company designs,
manufactures, markets and services a full line of Ford cars,
trucks, SUVs, electrified vehicles and Lincoln luxury vehicles, provides financial
services through Ford Motor Credit Company and is pursuing
leadership positions in electrification, autonomous vehicles and
mobility solutions. Ford employs approximately 196,000 people
worldwide. For more information regarding Ford, its products and
Ford Motor Credit Company, please visit
www.corporate.ford.com.
www.twitter.com/ford
www.facebook.com/ford
www.instagram.com/ford
www.medium.com/@ford
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SOURCE Ford Motor Company