(PHOTOS) HBO Previews ‘A Black Lady Sketch Show’ and Hosts Other Celeb-Filled Events at 2019 Essence Festival

HBO made a splash at the 2019 Essence Festival in New Orleans with a series of events that offered previews of their upcoming shows as well as mixers that enabled guests to interview with many celebs in attendance.

Held at the Loft, the network hosted HBO POV: Black Ladies in Comedy Brunch, where Insecure’s Natasha Rothwell (Supervising Producer & Actress) joined “A Black Lady Sketch Show’s” Dime Davis (Director) and Lauren Ashley Smith (Head Writer) to chat about creating comedic hits, being a black woman at the top of your game, and the process of rising to the top. The conversation was moderated by The Read’s Crissle West.

Following the brunch, HBO also hosted a screening, panel and mixer for the “A Black Lady Sketch Show,” which was attended by Robin Thede (Creator), Quinta Brunson, Ashley Nicole Black, and Gabrielle Dennis, who discussed the demand for “A Black Lady Sketch Show,” the process of its creation, and what to expect this season. The discussion followed a screening of the pilot episode and was moderated by culture writer Jamilah Lemieux. The show debuts on HBO August 2.

There was also an Everyday People event during Essence Fest that was attended by a number of influencers and celebrities.

Other events hosted by HBO during Essence Weekend includes the Human By Orientation Gallery Exhibit. The event was a continuation of HBO’s Human by Orientation initiative in which the network partnered with Queer | Art for an exhibition featuring the artwork of Lola Flash.

Human By Orientation is a platform that highlights the universal humanity of all people regardless of ethnicity, orientation or gender identity. The campaign encourages the powerful dialogue needed to humanize the LGBTQ+ community as multifaceted individuals with experiences that celebrate otherness.

To close out the weekend, HBO in partnership with Black Girl in Om, hosted a special yoga session complete with a workout as well as affirmations in The Loft.

Photos from the events are below.

(Photos by Dorthy Hong via HBO)