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Essence Fest 2025 was filled with unforgettable moments, and one of the standout events was the TV One and CLEO TV lifestyle panel on Saturday, July 5th. Set inside a packed room of culture lovers, the 20-minute panel was a dynamic celebration of the networks’ growing footprint in culinary and lifestyle programming that speaks directly to the Black experience.

With an impressive lineup of talent and heartfelt storytelling, the conversation brought together Tamar Braxton, Chef Jernard Wells, and Jazz Smollett, moderated by media maven Dani Canada. Together, they explored the power of food, family, design, and legacy and how TV One and CLEO TV are helping to shape the culture in real time.

“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. Add in long-time favorites like Just Eats with Chef JJ and Living By Design with Jake and Jazz Smollett, and it’s clear that these networks are setting the gold standard for lifestyle content that is vibrant, relevant, and rooted in culture.

Tamar Braxton opened up about 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, who has become a beloved voice in culinary TV, spoke on 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 shared 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 becomes real.”

Chef Jernard followed up with appreciation 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 is committed to showcasing the black palette and the culture of the black kitchen.

Written by: Jelisa Raquel