I remember when the “Oprah Winfrey Show” made its television debut, but more vividly, I remember how it made me feel to see this unknown, plus-size Black woman with a short haircut and bold attire on television.
Even though I was rather young – around 9 years old – I understood the magnitude of the person I was watching, and it really resonated with me.
Even though back then, Winfrey’s show wasn’t exactly the class act that it is today, I was still drawn to her. You see, I have always known I wanted to be a journalist; it was always in my heart. Though I was young, I understood that Winfrey’s show, as unconventional as it was at the time, was a form of journalism.
It was awesome for me to see a Black woman on television with her own show. For me, Winfrey was my Barack Obama. Winfrey was a symbol of hope and inspiration to me, and she let me know that anything is possible. And like Obama’s tremendous influence, Winfrey’s success was a motivating factor for me. I reflect back on when “The Oprah Winfrey Show” began and how much it has evolved over the years.
When Winfrey’s show initially began, it addressed topics that were taboo at the time. Her show forced us to look at difficult topics such as homosexuality, HIV/AIDS and even molestation. Twenty-five years ago, those things were prevalent, but to publicly discuss them was unheard of.
Winfrey made this country communicate more effectively and she helped Americans deal better with crises in their lives. She also helped us realize that therapy is a good thing.
So while 25 years ago, she addressed things that were a bit uncomfortable to many, in doing so, she raised awareness and generated dialogues about issues that made us more tolerant and understanding of people and their differences. Winfrey set a trend that is now an industry standard.
Oprah herself has evolved over the years. Like Obama, there was once a time when no one knew how to pronounce Oprah, but now it is a household name that is synonymous with power and influence. When Winfrey says something is good – be it a book, a particular restaurant or even a specific pair of pajamas – her “endorsement” becomes that entity’s most powerful marketing tool. The things Winfrey has been able to accomplish over the years is no small feat, so her achievements should not be taken lightly. Although Winfrey’s success almost seems effortless, I’m sure there have been some tremendously high stumbling blocks that she has had to overcome during the past 25 years.
Being an African-American woman with so much influence had to come with its fair share of challenges. The great thing about Winfrey, however, is her ability to bounce back and overcome obstacles. I firmly believe that when you encounter difficult times, yet have the fortitude to overcome them; you are instantly a stronger, more focused person. That which doesn’t kill us only makes us stronger.
While I have always been a fan of Winfrey’s, I realize that some people haven’t, particularly many Blacks. I often hear people complain that “Oprah hasn’t done anything for Black people,” or she “doesn’t have enough African-Americans on her staff.”
When I hear these comments, I often get frustrated with the person saying them. For starters, Blacks need to get out of the habit of thinking that someone has to do something for them. Why not do something for yourself and make things happen for you? Control your own destiny by working hard and committing yourself. The blessings will eventually come. Stop thinking that everyone owes you something. Get it for yourself!
I’ve never seen a racial breakdown of Winfrey’s staff, so I can’t fairly say who is on it, but I can say that if my suspicions are correct, there probably was a point in time when Winfrey tried to employ more Blacks. If so, one never knows what goes on behind closed doors. Perhaps the people weren’t skilled enough for a particular job, perhaps they became too “big-headed,” or maybe there is a relatively high percentage of Blacks on her staff and we just don’t know it for certain. I watch Winfrey’s “Season 25: Oprah Behind the Scenes” on the OWN network and I’ve seen Blacks and other minorities on her staff.
As far as the statement that Winfrey “is not doing enough for Blacks,” it’s completely false. Winfrey does a lot for Blacks and everyone else. Look at all the individuals’ lives she has touched over the past 25 years. Consider the thousands of African children she has educated through her school. And reflect on the millions of people that she has helped through her philanthropic efforts. Winfrey has done so much for all people and she has helped to erase perceptions that many have of Blacks. She showed the world that Blacks could be intelligent, forward thinking, philanthropic and enterprising. Let’s celebrate all the good, positive attributes of Winfrey… she is truly worthy of praise.
Although Oprah has ended her television show, I know her impact on the world is about to reach an entirely new level. I commend her for all her accomplishments over the years and I thank her for the impact she made in my life. Hopefully her deeds will inspire others to not only strive for excellence individually, but also seek to change the world with one small act of kindness after another.
You can e-mail comments to Shannon Williams at Shannonw@indyrecorder.com.
