Black Women Love: Oprah

For black women who grew up in the 80s and 90s, there are several cultural staples that we all have in common. Namely, the Cosby Show, A Different World, falling in love with (and growing with) Hip Hop, and, among others, the phenomenon known as The Color Purple.

How many times have you quoted the line, "You told Harpo to beat me..."?



I love Oprah, and I know I'm not alone. Before her book club, before her billionaire status and before Tom Cruise lost it on her couch, I've loved that woman. She embodies every good and perfect thing that black women represent: beauty, intelligence, talent, ingenuity, resourcefulness, and a strong desire to uplift others. When I think of Oprah, that's what I think about. However warm and fuzzy I feel about the O, she gets some serious hate from black people. And the only reason I can see why, is because her show isn't geared toward black people and she started her Leadership Academy in Africa and not here. I say, why would she focus on only black people, when she can focus on everyone (and be the syndicated genius that she is)? And also, there are others in the world in more need than Americans.. if she wants to contribute to the motherland, what's wrong with that? I don't see Bob Johnson (the only other African-American billionaire) starting schools in third-world countries, discussing books (Confessions of A Video Vixen, maybe?) or positively influencing any aspect of society on such a large scale. Don't nobody talk bad about Ms. Oprah!!


I love Oprah because of her accomplishments. She hails from humble beginnings, and has turned her passion into worldwide wealth and recognition. Her talk show is featured on 208 stations, and in more than 100 countries outside of the US; she started Oprah Magazine, is affiliated with Dr. Phil, Suze Orman and Rachel Ray (and IMO she's the one of the reasons that they're household names). On top of all those things, she runs Oprah and Friends, her XM Satellite Radio show; and she produced Oprah's Big Gift reality show.

Let's not forget about her philanthropic endeavors. She pledged hundreds of thousands to Hurricane Katrina victims, and her viewers contributed $15 million to relief efforts. Oprah's Leadership Academy may be associated with scandal, but there's no doubt that she initiated a project that touches the lives of others in a unique way. Oprah earns $260 million annually, and has a net worth of $2.5 billion. She's won 18 Emmys, and her own network, OWN, will be launched in Fall 2009.

How can people not love her? Seriously!