OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network will air a two-part special centering on the coronavirus pandemic in the African American community, the cable network announced Friday.
The two-part special airs on Saturday, April 18 and Tuesday, April 21. The episodes are part of OWN Spotlight: Black Women OWN The Conversation, which premiered last fall and was picked up for a second season.
The COVID-19 special features OZY CEO Carlos Watson speaking virtually with guests about topics related to the pandemic, including health, finances, parenting, relationships, and faith.
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Good Morning America anchor Robin Roberts; New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell; pediatric surgeon Dr. Ala Stanford; activist Bree Newsome Bass; Brooklyn urgent care physician Dr. Uché Blackstock; former American Psychiatric Association President Dr. Altha Stewart; and writer/activist Mikki Kendal are all confirmed to participate.
Part One titled COVID-19 Facts & Myths premieres on Saturday, April 18 at 10pm ET/PT. It covers medical facts, rumors, and myths about coronavirus; the compounding effects of racism on COVID-19 healthcare outcomes in the Black community; and Black women and the financial hardships experienced as a result of the pandemic.
Part Two called COVID-19 Living In Lockdown debuts Tuesday, April 21 at 11pm ET/PT. The episode explores family and relationships during the pandemic.
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The specials are produced by OZY for OWN. Executive producers are Jennifer Ryan, Samir Rao, and Marion Cunningham.
As the coronvirus pandemic continues, OWN is supporting Discovery, Inc.’s Turn Up Fight Hunger campaign in partnership with No Kid Hungry, which offers grants to schools and community organizations to make sure kids get the food they need with classes canceled. Viewers can text HUNGRY to 707070 to help ensure kids don’t fall through the cracks at this critical time.
