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

Halle Berry, Taraji P. Henson, Gabrielle Union-Wade, Sunny Hostin and former Motown president Suzanne de Passe join Beverly Johnson, Whoopi Goldberg, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Vanessa Williams and more in the five-part docu-series

Los Angeles, CA - OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network reveals that its anticipated new original documentary series, "Time of Essence," will debut on Friday, August 18 at 9 pm ET/PT. The five-part, one-hour series is a celebration of the trailblazing magazine that reaches a global community of over 20 million Black women and has revealed some of the most captivating and influential covers of the past half-century.

OWN also reveals more names of the thought leaders, celebrities and culture defining influencers who will be featured in the series - Golden Globe(R) winning actress Taraji P. Henson, Gabrielle Union-Wade, singer and actress Vanessa Williams, Sunny Hostin and producer and former president of Motown Productions Suzanne de Passe.

Previously announced trailblazers featured in the series include fashion model and icon Beverly Johnson, Johnson's daughter Anansa Sims, Oscar(R) winning actresses Halle Berry and Whoopi Goldberg, Emmy(R) winning actress Sheryl Lee Ralph, Regina Hall and Taye Diggs. 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" 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.

"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.

ABOUT OWN: OPRAH WINFREY NETWORK

OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network is the first and only network named for, and inspired by, a single iconic leader. Oprah Winfrey's heart and creative instincts inform the brand and the magnetism of the channel. OWN is a leading destination for premium scripted and unscripted programming from today's most innovative storytellers. OWN connects with its audience wherever they are, inspiring conversation among a global community of like-minded viewers on social media and beyond. Launched on January 1, 2011, OWN is a joint venture between Harpo, Inc. and Warner Bros. Discovery. The venture also includes award-winning digital platform Oprah.com. Access OWN anytime on http://WatchOWN.tv or across mobile devices and connected TVs.

ABOUT 51 MINDS

51 Minds Entertainment is the traditionally non-scripted production powerhouse behind shows like Below Deck (Bravo), Below Deck: Mediterranean (Bravo), Below Deck Sailing Yacht (Bravo), Below Deck Down Under (Peacock), Married to Real Estate (HGTV), The Surreal Life: Celebrity Unfiltered (VH1), 24 Hour Flip (A&E), and Untitled Swizz Beatz Project (Onyx). A division of Banijay, the world's largest international content producer and distributor, 51 Minds is led by President, Christian Sarabia and Zachary Klein, who serves as COO.

ABOUT ESSENCE COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

Essence Communications is the number one - and only 100% Black-owned - media, technology and commerce company at scale dedicated to Black women and communities. With a community of more than 31 million Black women, ESSENCE inspires a global audience through diverse storytelling and immersive original content rooted in Culture, Equity and Celebration. The brand's multi-platform presence in publishing, experiential and online encompasses its namesake magazine; digital, video and social platforms; television specials; books; and signature live events, including Black Women in Music, Black Women in Hollywood, ESSENCE Black Women in Sports, Fashion House, Street Style and the ESSENCE Festival of Culture.