inauguration and presidency, with Beyoncé as the headliner. In 2008, after partnering with Essence to develop and tape a co-branded special presentation Black in America: Reclaiming the Dream, CNN reported live on-site throughout the Music Festival weekend. In 2013, the Essence Music Festival rebranded to the Essence Festival to showcase the event as more than a music festival. In 2016, the first ever associate event to the Essence Festival was announced – Essence Festival Durban – set to take place in Durban, South Africa on November 8–13. Essence President Michelle Ebanks commented at the time, "This is a milestone year for the Essence brand as we get ready to bring one of our most beloved events to the heart of South Africa in the coastal city of Durban which represents an exciting mix of cultures. This inaugural Essence Festival Durban will bring together voices of influence and power from the continent of Africa, the U.S. and across the globe to connect communities and empower women spanning the diaspora." 2017 Activism In January 2005 Essence launched a 12-month initiative to combat misogyny in hip-hop culture. The campaign, titled "Take Back the Music", was intended to inspire public dialogue about the portrayal of black women in rap music. Essence also holds a Young Women's Leadership Conference, and released a book in 2009 titled Essence Presents: The Black Woman's Guide to Healthy Living. Awards Awards run by Essence Black Women In Hollywood Awards This long-running award event, held each February on the Thursday before the Oscars, began in 2008 and continues to this day. and his ceremony annually honors black women who have achieved success in Hollywood. In the event's first decade, awards were presented in several categories. Beginning in 2017, the event had a single theme and individuals were honored, with no specific award titles. 2008 Power Award: Jada Pinkett Smith 2009 Legend Award: Diahann Carroll Power Award: Halle Berry Star to Watch Award: Taraji P. Henson Visionary Award: Gina Prince-Bythewood 2010 Breakthrough Performance Award: Gabourey Sidibe Legend Award: Cicely Tyson Power Award: Queen Latifah Songstress of the Year: Mary J. Blige Star to Watch Award: Zoe Saldana 2011 Viola Davis Loretta Devine Angela Bassett Jennifer Hudson 2012 Breakthrough Performance Award: Octavia Spencer Legend Award: Pam Grier Shining Star Award: Paula Patton Vanguard Award: Kerry Washington Visionary Award: Shonda Rimes 2013 Breakthrough Performance Award: Quvenzhané Wallis Power Award: Oprah Winfrey Shining Star