Some of the most powerful moments at Essence Fest 2026 didn't happen on the concert stage—they happened during a raw conversation between Sanaa Lathan and Keke Palmer.
Appearing on a live taping of Keke Live at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, Lathan opened up about the realities behind her decades-long career, revealing that sobriety became a turning point after years of anxiety, panic attacks, and using alcohol to cope.
Lathan reflected on the persistence it took to build her career, pushing back against the perception that success came easily.
“For every job you’ve seen me do, there could have been a year of me getting rejected every day,” she told Palmer, per Hello Beautiful, recalling how limited opportunities were for Black actresses when she entered Hollywood in the 1990s.
She said that reality helped forge lasting friendships with contemporaries including Gabrielle Union, Taraji P. Henson, and Regina Hall, who understood the industry's unique challenges.
The conversation became even more personal as Lathan discussed the emotional toll of carrying unresolved trauma. She explained that years of anxiety eventually manifested physically, leading her to seek therapy, meditation, and ultimately sobriety.
“You don’t deal with it, the body will deal with it,” she said.
Lathan described giving up alcohol as one of the most significant changes she has made, saying, “There’s a joy and a peace that I have now that I could never have had if I was poisoning myself every day.”
Palmer connected Lathan's experiences to a broader conversation about breaking cycles of burnout and self-neglect, particularly for Black women who often feel pressure to be everything for everyone.
“You’ve got to break the cycle,” Palmer said. “That’s the practice of saying, ‘I’m allowed to rest.’”
The discussion fit squarely within the expanded daytime programming at this year's Essence Fest, which has placed conversations about wellness, entrepreneurship, creativity, and community alongside its music lineup.
If you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol use, help is available. In the U.S., contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357) for free, confidential support available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, or visit SAMHSA's official website to find treatment and recovery resources in your area.
