Lincoln Celebrates the Achievements of Black Women in Hollywood with Essence Magazine

DEARBORN, Mich., Feb. 19, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- This week, Lincoln and Essence magazine will honor some of Hollywood's most influential African-American women in television and film during the 6^th annual "Black Women in Hollywood Luncheon."

Lincoln's 2013 luxury midsize sedan, the MKZ, is the official vehicle for the event and will be onsite for attendees to view.

"The innovation and inspiring design behind the all-new MKZ makes it a perfect complement to these talented women who have inspired through their careers and innovation," says Shawn Thompson, Lincoln manager of Multicultural Marketing. 

Writer, producer and creator extraordinaire Mara Brock Akil and James Bond's latest "Bond girl", Naomie Harris, will arrive in style in the MKZ.

Akil, an acclaimed producer and writer, is responsible for successful television shows and movies featuring African-American casts.

Her company, Happy Camper Productions, partnered with Kelsey Grammer's Gramnet Productions and CBS Paramount to create the groundbreaking series "Girlfriends." In 2012, she produced "Sparkle" starring the late Whitney Houston and Jordin Sparks. Akil is preparing to debut her new show, "Being Mary Jane," starring Gabrielle Union.

Thompson will present Harris with the Lincoln Shining Star Award. Last year she grabbed the attention of Hollywood with her star-turning performance in the highest-grossing Bond film of all time, "Skyfall." The London-born actress also has appeared in hits such as "Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest" and "Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End." She will star in the upcoming Nelson Mandela biopic, "Long Walk to Freedom" opposite Idris Elba.

"Naomie's critically acclaimed work in film, television and theater represents the dynamic group of today's African-American women who are such a crucial part of the premium market space," says Thompson.

About Lincoln
Lincoln is the luxury automotive brand of Ford Motor Company, committed to creating compelling vehicles with an exceptional ownership experience to match. Lincoln will introduce four all-new vehicles in the next four years. For more information about Lincoln, please visit media.lincoln.com or www.lincoln.com. Follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/Lincoln.

SOURCE Ford Motor Company