OWN’S “QUEEN SUGAR” MAKES SPLASH AT 2016 ESSENCE FESTIVAL The new original series from filmmaker Ava DuVernay and executive producer Oprah Winfrey gave festival-goers a sneak peek of the highly-anticipated drama premiering September 6-7 at 10PM ET/PT on OWNThe “Queen Sugar” cast celebrate an epic Essence Fest weekend at a cocktail reception at Legacy Kitchen (l-r): Omar Dorsey, Tina Lifford, Nicholas Ashe, Dawn-Lyen Gardner, Oprah Winfrey, Ava DuVernay, Rutina Wesley, Kofi Siriboe, Bianca Lawson and Dondre WhitfieldPhotos Courtesy of OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network / Photographer: Mariana SheppardPhotos Courtesy of Getty: Photographer, Josh BrastedAdditional photos by Freddy-OOn Saturday night, OWN: The Oprah Winfrey Network completed day two of its “Queen Sugar” Essence Festival promo run with a Q&A on the “Empowerment” mainstage — moderated by Essence entertainment director Cori Murray — featuring the cast and show creator Ava DuVernay; an inspiring keynote speech by “Queen Sugar” executive producer Oprah Winfrey; and a culminating cocktail reception at Legacy Kitchen, where over 200 industry insiders and tv personalities celebrated the new series.”Queen Sugar” cast members Rutina Wesley, Dawn-Lyen Gardner, Kofi Siriboe, Omar Dorsey, Tina Lifford, Dondre Whitfield, Nicholas Ashe and Bianca Lawson graced the red carpet at the reception, followed by DuVernay, Gayle King and Ms. Winfrey herself. Additional attendees included: Lynn Whitfield (“Greenleaf”), Tina Knowles Lawson, Richard Lawson, “The Real” hosts Adrienne Bailon, Loni Love and Jeannie Mai; singer Lalah Hathaway; “Love Thy Neighbor” cast Patrice Lovely and Darmirra Brunson; “Survivor’s Remorse” cast Tichina Arnold, Jessie T.
Usher, Erica Ash and Allen Maldonado; “POWER” cast Lela Loren and Joseph Sikora; “Real Housewives of Atlanta” cast Kandi Burruss and Todd Tucker; broadcast journalist/producer Soledad O’Brien, Bozoma Saint John (Head of Global Consumer Marketing, Apple Music & iTunes); Mona Scott-Young (Monami Entertainment); Stevie J (“Love & Hip-Hop: Atlanta”); “Married to Medicine” cast Dr. Heavenly, Mariah Huq and Lisa Nicole Cloud; Gocha Hawkins (“LA Hair”), Tameka Foster, American Idol’s La’Porsha Renae and so many more.”Queen Sugar” will debut as a two-night event on Tuesday, September 6 and Wednesday, September 7 at 10PM ET/PT on OWN. The series will regularly air Wednesday nights at 10PM ET/PT for the remainder of its 13-episode first season.
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