TV One & CLEO TV Light Up Essence Fest with a Flavorful Celebration of Black Culinary& Lifestyle Culture

Essence Fest 2025 was packed with unforgettable moments, and among the standout events was the TV One and CLEO TV lifestyle panel on Saturday, July 5th. In a room full of culture enthusiasts, the 20-minute panel celebrated the networks’ expanding influence in culinary and lifestyle programming that resonates with the Black experience. Featuring a remarkable lineup of talent and heartfelt storytelling, the discussion included Tamar Braxton, ChefJernard Wells, and Jazz Smollett, with media expert Dani Canada as the moderator. They delved into the significance of food, family, design, and legacy, highlighting how TV One and CLEO TV are actively shaping the culture.

Panel Moderator Dani Canada and Tamar Braxton, Chef Jenard Wells and Wife

“For Us, By Us” and Deliciously So

The event followed the success of two standout series this year: Savor The City with Chef Jernard Wells, and Cooking Sessions with Tamar and Ms. E, hosted by Tamar Braxton and her mother, Evelyn Braxton. Along with long-time favorites like Just Eats with Chef JJ and Living By Design with Jake and Jazz Smollett, it’s evident that these networks are setting a high standard for lifestyle content that is vibrant, relevant, and culturally rooted. Tamar Braxton shared the impact of working with her mother on Cooking Sessions, saying: “Cooking with my mom on camera was healing for us. It wasn’t just about food; it was therapy, it was laughter, it was real. People get to see Black women love each other out loud, and that’s powerful.”

Chef Jernard Wells, a beloved figure in culinary TV, spoke about his passion for sharing the stories behind each dish: “Every plate has a story. In every city I visit, I’m not just highlighting the food; I’m telling the stories of Black-owned businesses, families, and the legacy they’re building through flavor.”

The message was clear: food is more than nourishment; it’s a vessel for history, culture, and community. On the design front, Jazz Smollett discussed what makes Living By Design such a meaningful project: “Black design is soulful. It ’s layered, it’s cultural, and it tells a story. Through 'Living by Design,' we’re showing that our homes and spaces are extensions of our identity, and we deserve to see that reflected beautifully.”

A recurring theme throughout the panel was the importance of representation, not only in front of the camera but behind it. “It’s not just about who’s in front of the camera,” Tamar said. “It’s about having Black producers, Black directors, Black creatives calling the shots; that’s when the storytelling beco

mes real.”

Chef Jernard expressed gratitude for the creative freedom TV One and CLEO TV provide: “They give us the space to be ourselves. That’s rare. We bring flavor, fun, and our full identities to the screen, and that’s what viewers connect with.” Overall, this panel discussion delved deeply into the roots of our communities, the history behind our food, and the culture that resonates with generations through cooking, recipes, and memories made over a good meal. TV One isdedicated to showcasing the Black palette and the culture of the Black kitchen.