I speak not only as an entrepreneur and business woman, but also as a concerned citizen of New Orleans, a fourth generation New Orleanian looking to protect the rights, livelihoods, and opportunities of women and black-owned businesses that have been adversely affected by the Essence Festival Clean Zone restrictions set by the City of New Orleans.

Having a black woman-owned business located in this clean zone, these restrictions have personally caused me significant difficulties, stifling entrepreneurial growth and economic mobility in our city, within demographics that already face numerous obstacles. 

Unfortunately, I am not alone in this experience. Misplaced restrictions like these hinder the growth and operations of numerous businesses in our area, predominantly impacting women and minority business-owners.

I call for the City of New Orleans and Essence Festival organizers to reconsider these excessive clean zone restrictions that disproportionately affect women and black-owned businesses. These barriers inhibit us from contributing fully to our local economy, tokenizing us instead and restricting the opportunities available to us. We deserve unrestricted access to operate our businesses in our home city. It's time to put an end to these unjust measures and embrace the true spirit of New Orleans that believes in supporting and uplifting all its residents, regardless of gender or race.

Please join me in demanding change by signing this petition. Let us stand together for the rights of women and black business owners in New Orleans.