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       *Terrence Howard, Jamie Foxx and rapper Common are among the speakers and performers lined up for a new youth initiative to be introduced at the Coca-Cola Presents the 2006 Essence Music Festival Empowerment Seminar Series.      

       Titled “ESSENCE Cares! A Call to Action to Secure Our Youth,” the event was created to help rescue vulnerable youth and restore the lives of Hurricane Katrina survivors, while addressing critical issues facing black America, including poverty, unemployment, unequal educational systems and gang violence.      

       This initiative will be launched at the festival’s daytime Empowerment Seminars, July 1, 2, and 3 at Houston’s Reliant Park—making this year’s Festival a “bigger party with a deeper purpose.”

       Other speakers and performers confirmed to participate include Yolanda Adams, John Hope Bryant, Angela Davis, Michael Eric Dyson, Thomas W. Dortch, Jr., Marian Wright Edelman, Danny Glover, Bruce Gordon, Congressman Alexander Green, The Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan, Reverend Jesse Jackson, Bishop T.D. Jakes, Earvin “Magic” Johnson, Mathew Knowles, Queen Latifah, Congresswomen Barbara Lee, Sheila Jackson Lee and Maxine Waters, Donnie McClurkin, Mo’Nique, Marc Morial, Shemar Moore, Nas, Kevin Powell, Jill Scott, Reverend Al Sharpton, Iyanla Vanzant, Reverend Dr. Renita Weems, Terrie Williams and many others.      

       As previously reported, here is the night-by-night concert schedule of performances for the Essence Music Festival:

SATURDAY, JULY 1
Mary J. Blige
Earth, Wind & Fire
Mo’Nique
LL Cool J
Yolanda Adams
Goapele
Doug E. Fresh and Slick Rick
C.O.C.O Brown & The Phat Cat Players
Captain Charles
 
SUNDAY, JULY 2
Diddy and Friends
New Edition    
Bobby Brown
Steve Harvey
Jaheim
Chris Brown
Kindred The Family Soul
Brand New Heavies
Myra Washington
DJ Raj Smoove
 
MONDAY, JULY 3
Maze featuring Frankie Beverly
Toni Braxton
Cedric the Entertainer
Charlie Wilson
Keyshia Cole
Musiq
Loose Ends
Rebirth Brass Band
Michael Ward