(Final Up to date On: November 29, 2022)

We vividly recall the primary time we noticed the trailer in 2016 for a model new drama sequence coming to the Oprah Winfrey Community (OWN) titled Queen Sugar. In full transparency, we’d later study that the sequence was based mostly on the 2014 novel of the identical identify by writer Natalie Baszile. All we knew after we noticed the trailer, was that it seemed prefer it was going to be present, about stunning black individuals govt produced by Ava DuVernay and Oprah Winfrey for sure that was greater than sufficient for us. We have been all in. 

Now slightly over six years, seven seasons, and eighty-eight episodes later, the critically acclaimed, award-winning present is coming to an finish. We’re very very very unhappy to see the present finish. We’d love extra seasons and to proceed the journey of the Bordelon household. However in a spirit of deep gratitude for Queen Sugar, we are attempting to solely abide within the spirit of, “Don’t cry as a result of it’s over, smile as a result of it occurred.”  We are attempting but it surely isn’t simple! We love us some Queen Sugar!

The sequence follows the lives of the Bordelon siblings (Nova, Charley, and Ralph Angel) and the remainder of their household, associates, and foes set in fictional Saint Josephine, Louisiana. There may be a lot to like about this present. DuVernay and the remainder of the present’s crew have Blessed us with an A+++ manufacturing from high to backside with foremost, recurring, and visitor star casts to match. 

The writers have entertained and impressed us with the optimum mix of participating and compelling storytelling. The present’s storylines have featured the peaks and valleys of romantic relationships, the intricacies and complexities of household relationships, and every thing else we take pleasure in and endure alongside this voyage of life whereas nonetheless being one of many only a few reveals to function tales that persistently and honestly depict how individuals of shade are marginalized and the way the powers that be and the methods of this world try and maintain individuals of shade marginalized, powerless and voice much less. The important thing phrases being “try and” as a result of as Queen Sugar has additionally precisely and persistently proven is that with love, religion, household, group, and folks working collectively…suntil, we rise. 

As well as, as a Louisianan and a proud New Orleanian, we have now totally loved watching and witnessing our state and metropolis accentuated and cherished. We’d like to present a particular shoutout to Queen Sugar who represented our areas with aptitude, model, grace, coronary heart, affection, and authenticity. Thanks!

The distinctive actors who painting these extraordinary characters, each have turn out to be like household; Rutina Wesley (Nova), Daybreak-Lyen Gardner (Charley), Kofi Siriboe (Ralph Angel), Tina Lifford (Violet, “Aunt Vi”), Omar J. Dorsey (Hollywood), Nicholas L. Ashe (Micah), Bianca Lawson (Darla), Henry G. Sanders (Prosper), Ethan Hutchison (Blue), Timon Kyle Durrett (Davis,) Dondré Whitfield, (Remy), Greg Vaughan (Calvin), Tanyell Waivers (Keke), Tammy Townsend (Billie), David Jensen (Samuel “Sam”), Amirah Vann (Parker), Ann Nesby (Sandy) and Glynn Turman (Ernest Bordelon) in addition to each different actor who has graced our display screen and the Queen Sugar set. It has been an absolute pleasure to like, study, develop, cry, scream, harm, fuss, and dwell with and thru every one in all you. Thanks a lot for sharing and gifting your abilities with us and to us.

We really love the entire present’s characters. However if you happen to would permit us a minute to spotlight a number of. As a Black seasoned girl, phrases can’t categorical how Ms. Lifford and Aunt Vi have personally blessed me. In actual life, Black girls, particularly seasoned Black girls, all too typically spend their lives holding every thing down and everybody else up with what looks as if little or no appreciation, acknowledgment, respect, or reward in return. After which in fiction-land, too many tv reveals and movies regulate the seasoned Black feminine character to a supporting function, to the background, or merely as an afterthought. 

However our Aunt Vi is one thing particular. She is the one holding every thing down and everybody up however can be splendidly and prominently written and portrayed as a wonderful, vivacious, sensible, profitable, and fascinating Black seasoned girl. And one might additionally argue (properly probably not as a result of there may be nothing to essentially argue about as a result of that is true!), she has had essentially the most satisfying romantic relationship on the present. Aunt Vi and Hollywood are every-dayum-thing! Additionally, one other massive kudos to the present for giving Prosper a love story! Prosper and Sandy remind us that it’s by no means too late to like! Love them!

We Are Leisure Information had the consideration and privilege of interviewing Ms. Lifford which can endlessly maintain a particular place in our hearts. She is really an inspiration.

Once more, we’re saddened to say goodbye to Queen Sugar. Nevertheless, since we should we wished to take this chance to point out some love and say thanks. From the underside of our hearts thanks to Oprah, Ava DuVernay, OWN, and the complete forged and crew for creating this house;

An area to really feel seen.

An area to be celebrated.

An area to be understood.

An area created by us, for us.

An area all our “personal.” 

An area deliberately, unapologetically, and authentically Black.

An area…that seems like residence.

Though the present is ending, one like Queen Sugar is timeless and it’s our honest hope that it’ll dwell on and proceed to be a beacon of hope and Blackness for and to generations to come back. Lengthy Reside the Queen!

Queen Sugar, as you’re taking your ultimate bow we bow to you in homage, with hearts full of love, gratitude, and pleasure! What a journey it has been!

All hail Queen Sugar!