a big part of the focus is the empowerment experience, bringing together authors, innovators, and leaders to advance the personal goals that have been set by so many in the community. we re honored to have with us today essence magazine s editor in chief susan taylor. she led the magazine for nearly 20 years and went on to create the national care s mentoring movement. also with me on our set is lisa nichols, ceo of motivating the masses. you re going to be here all these days talking to folks. susan, i want to the start off with you. full disclosure, we were at an event recently where you were discussing volunteering and reaching out to the youth. i thought about you this morning as soon as i saw the news out of chicago that another weekend, another bloody weekend in
nation. a deadly fourth of july in chicago yet again. dozens of people injured. joining me after the break, essence magazine susan taylor, founder of the national cares mentoring movement as well as the co-founder of brotherhood sister soul, a new york based empowerment organization. coming up on a lighter note, grammy winner janelle monet is set to perform at the essence festival on sunday. before she performs, she ll join the news nation and talk about her upcoming album, her performance on the b.e.t. awards and her beautiful cover girl ad. you can watch our special edition of news nation live from the 19th annual essence festival in new orleans. join the conversation on twitter. you can find us @tamronhall and @newsnation #msnbc.