Mayor de Blasio looked to raise his profile with black voters Saturday while speaking at the Essence Festival in New Orleans. 

The annual event is always one of the largest gatherings of African American women in the country. 

After being introduced by the Rev. Al Sharpton on Saturday, de Blasio touted First Lady Chirlane McCray's mental health initiative, Thrive NYC.

"She is taking away the stigma related to mental health. She is making people realize that we have to do something different in this country and get people the help they need," de Blasio said. "There is nothing wrong with having a mental health condition. There is something wrong when people can't get the help they need. Right? So join me in thanking the first lady of New York City, the love of my life, Chirlane McCray."

De Blasio is expected to wrap up his weekend of campaigning in South Carolina. 

He attended an education event Friday in Houston, where he spoke about his efforts to get rid of what he calls "high-stakes testing" in the city.

The mayor is expected to return to the city Sunday night.