Posted by | Ray Cornelius
ESSENCE announced earlier today that the reigning queen of television, Oprah Winfrey, will make her very first appearance at this year’s Festival on Saturday, July 2 at 4 p.m. EST at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center.
Winfrey will be a part of an amazing speakers panel that includes Bishop T.D. Jakes, Ava DuVernay, Rev. Al Sharpton, Misty Copeland and Tyra Banks.
“Oprah’s message of inspiration is universal and, through her life’s work, she has influenced women and girls across the globe,” said ESSENCE Editor-in-Chief Vanessa De Luca. “We are delighted that Iyanla Vanzant graciously invited Oprah to the ESSENCE Festival as a special gift for the fans, so we are welcoming our passionate community to join us for an absolutely extraordinary experience not to be missed.”
As previously reported, this year’s ESSENCE Festival will feature headliners Mariah Carey, Maxwell, and Kendrick Lamar along with Andra Day, Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds, Estelle, Common, Charlie Wilson, Ciara, Tyrese and New Edition. Closing out the Festival will be a Prince Tribute along with Puff Daddy and the Family featuring Faith Evans, Mase, 112 and more.
Photo Credit: ESSENCE.com
