Loads of thanks to @CocaCola for inviting me to the 2014 Essence Music Festival and for taking care of my travel and accommodations. #CokeESSENCEFest

I’m so honored to share that I’ve been invited by Coca-Cola to be a VIP Mom Blogger guest for the 20th Annual Essence Music Festival presented by Coca-Cola in New Orleans! Let me tell y’all…I have wanted to attend the Essence Fest for YEARS! In my twenties, as a Teaching Artist for under resourced communities, and then an Educator at a non-profit, financially, it just wasn’t an option. But you know what they say. Good things come to those who wait. I actually got used to waiting, and watching, and never let go of this bucket list item. Never in my wildest dreams could I have anticipated that the very first time I’d be attending the festival would be as a Very Important Person. Say what? Little ol’ me????

This is such a blessing, and I want to thank all of you, my readers, for engaging me through comments and inbox messages and  tweets, and for sharing my posts. It’s because of you all that Coca-Cola believes that I’m influential and responsible enough to represent their brand, and I appreciate you all tremendously for supporting me and my work on this site. I know that I’m only as important as my community, and you all mean the world to me.

If you aren’t attending the Essence Music Festival this year, no worries. I’m going to tweet and share pictures and get you all the information so that NEXT year, you’ll be ret’ to go! Please follow along with the #CokeESSENCEFest hashtag, and make sure you are following me on instagram (@MamaKnowsItAll) and Twitter (@BrandiJeter).