ESSENCE MAGAZINE SERIES “TIME OF ESSENCE” DEBUTS FRIDAY, AUGUST 18 AT 9 PM ET/PT ON OWN: OPRAH WINFREY NETWORK

The Oprah Winfrey Network, also known as OWN, has revealed its new highly-anticipated five-part, one-hour docuseries, "Time of Essence," featuring some of the biggest names in entertainment, such as, Taraji P. Henson, Halle Berry, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Taye Diggs, Gabrielle Union- Wade, Whoopi Goldberg, and more! This new series is a celebration of an iconic publication with a community of over 20 million Black women that has produced some of the most captivating covers over the past 50 years.

“Time of Essence” will tell the story of how ESSENCE has informed and reflected Black culture in America for over 50 years. Each episode explores a different decade – from the ’70s to today – and features first-hand commentary on that era’s biggest moments from the icons, trailblazers, staffers and leaders who lived and defined them. This candid commentary is coupled with never-before-seen footage and exclusive behind-the-scenes moments from the worlds of entertainment, sports, politics, fashion and beauty.

Previously announced trailblazers featured in the series include fashion model and icon Beverly Johnson, Johnson’s daughter Anansa Sims. Iconic ESSENCE Magazine editor Mikki Taylor, long-time Editor and Chief Susan L. Taylor, and current President and CEO Caroline Wanga are also prominently highlighted in the series.

“Time of Essence '' is produced by 51 Minds and ESSENCE Studios LLC for OWN.  Executive producers are Christian Sarabia and Nicole Elliott for 51 Minds, Raymond Garcia for Major TV, and Emmet Dennis, Sidra Smith, Stephanie “NöNe'' Dunivan and Barkue Tubman-Zawolo for ESSENCE Studios LLC.