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 OWN
The “Queen Sugar” cast celebrate an epic Essence Fest weekend at a cocktail reception at Legacy Kitchen (l-r): Omar Dorsey, Tina Lifford, Nicholas A, Dawn-Lyen Gardner, Oprah Winfrey, Ava DuVernay, Rutina Wesley, Kofi Siriboe, Bianca Lawson and Dondre Whitfield
Photos Courtesy of OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network / Photographer: Mariana Sheppard
Photos Courtesy of Getty: Photographer, Josh Brasted
Additional photos by Freddy-O
On 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 A 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. Ur, 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. Click NEXT for next image
 
  
  
  
  
  
