LOS ANGELES – OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network announced today the networkโs first-ever Fatherโs Day special โHonoring Our Kings: OWN Celebrates Black Fatherhoodโ hosted by Oprah Winfrey and award-winning actor and producer Sterling K. Brown (โThis Is Usโ) to premiere on Tuesday, June 15 at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT. The two-hour OWN Spotlight features conversations with everyday dads, special messages from celebrity fathers and musical performances to celebrate Black fathers everywhere.
โOur intention at OWN – across all of our programming – is to authentically portray the real-life experiences of African Americans,โ said Tina Perry, president, OWN. โWe know, and our viewers know, the way Black fathers show up for their families, and we are honored to welcome Sterling K. Brown to co-host this special program to celebrate these Black men.โ
โWe want to honor the Black Kings who stand firm and proud in their role as a father, and celebrate the love and joy they bring to their families and communities,โ said Oprah Winfrey.
โThe greatest role of my life happened 10 years ago when I became a father for the first time,โ said Sterling K Brown, co-host and Executive Producer. โI am honored to celebrate these exceptional men who are my โBrothers in Fatherhoodโ, and continue to shift the national perception of Black fathers.โ
โWhen I got the call that Oprah wanted to do this special, I was overjoyed,โ said Reginald Hudlin, Executive Producer. โOnce again, she knows exactly where the culture needs to go. There are so many Black Dads who give their all for their families who are never represented in the media. Sterling and I always compare notes on whatโs best for our kids, and itโs wonderful to be able to take that conversation nationwide and replace inaccurate stereotypes with inspirational truths. You donโt have to be Black or a Dad to enjoy the show, but if you are, youโre going to love it. โ
โIt is an honor and privilege to be a part of such a worthwhile project,โ said Byron Phillips, Executive Producer. โAs a Black father, it fills my heart with joy to present Black fathers in their full humility and to show the breadth and depth of Black fathers across this country. This project is a testament to the consciousness, empathy and leadership Oprah Winfrey has shown over the course of her life. And to also have Sterling K. Brown, who is the definition of strength and positivity as a Black man/father, additionally leading the way, makes this truly a dream project. Tina Perry and the OWN team once again demonstrate their commitment to meaningful positive imagery.โ
โItโs so great to shine a spotlight on dads โ Iโm a dad and I love being a dad โ especially the fathers who have made such an impact on the lives not only of their own kids, but who offer inspiration and an example to fathers and families everywhere.ย With Oprah Winfrey and Sterling K. Brown anchoring this event, we know that this first of what we hope will become an annual honor will stand out as a much-needed prime time tribute,โ said Phil Gurin, Executive Producer.
The special is produced by Hudlin Entertainment and The Gurin Company. Executive produced by Reginald Hudlin, Byron Phillips, Phil Gurin, Oprah Winfrey, Sterling K. Brown and Tara Montgomery.
About โOWN Spotlightโ
โOWN Spotlightโ presentations tackle issues and concerns facing Black lives. The programs feature candid and in-depth conversations that create real dialogue to inspire systematic change. Previous programs include a conversation with award-winning actress Viola Davis; a conversation with singer/actress Andra Day; a special presentation on Ava DuVernayโs short film โAugust 28;โ an inspirational special celebrating Black Fatherhood and the special bonds they have with their children โThey Call Me Dad;โ a two-night special โWhere Do We Go From Here?โ that simulcast across the Discovery family of networks featuring Oprah and Black thought leaders discussing the current state of racism in America; โOprah and 100 Black Fathersโ sharing the urgency of having โthe talkโ with their children and the dreams they have for the future of their families; โCOVID-19: The Deadly Impact on Black Americaโ that investigated the disproportionate impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Black communities; โOprah At Home with Lupita Nyongโo and Cynthia Erivo,โ which examined colorism in Hollywood; โOprah and Alicia Keys โ The Interviewโ discussing Alicia Keysโ new memoir โMore Myself;โ โWhen They See Us Nowโ featuring Oprah in conversation with award-winning filmmaker Ava DuVernay and the cast from the acclaimed series โWhen They See Usโ along with real men formerly known as the Central Park Five; โ(In)Visible Portraits,โ which was a powerful celebration of Black women sharing their stories of struggle, resilience and beyond; โBlack Women OWN The Conversation โ 2020 In Reviewโ featured intimate conversations about important issues with honest opinions and surprising solutions that put people first; and the follow-up documentary from D. Channsin Berry โDark Girls 2โ exploring the prejudices darker-skinned women face around the world.