Oprah Going Golden!

During the 2018 Golden Globes, Oprah Winfrey received a standing ovation at the end of her powerful speech that touched on the injustice for Recy Taylor, the sexual offenses of Hollywood, and freedom of the press.  Oprah was the first black woman in history awarded the Cecil B. DeMille.  At the beginning of her speech, she recalls watching the very first black man to receive the same award, Sidney Poitier, in 1982.  She said, “I had never seen a black man being celebrated like that . . . I tried many, many times to explain what a moment like that means to a little girl, a kid watching from the cheap seats, as my mom came through the door bone-tired from cleaning other people’s houses.” This year, the Golden Globes had a unique atmosphere.  Because of the number of sexual misconducts in Hollywood in 2017, almost all attendees wore black to shine the light on this issue.  Some guests even brought activists as their dates for this special event.  In her speech, Oprah recognized this and told the story of Recy Taylor. In 1944, Taylor was on her way home from church when six men kidnapped her, abused her, and left her on the side of the road blindfolded.  To this day, these perpetrators are still unknown. Unfortunately, Recy died ten days before the speech was given, just days before what would have been her 98th birthday.  Oprah captivated the entire audience with her sorrow-filled words. She also recognized her appreciation for the press by saying, “I want to say that I value the press more than ever before as we try to navigate these complicated times…”  Their devotion to uncovering the whole truth helps the public see all the dishonesty and extortion in society today.  

Personally, I believe her speech was very moving and motivational for people of all ages all around the country.  She did a great job of unveiling many of the wrongdoings and malpractices that had taken place, and she gave hope to younger generations.   It is commendable that she used her power and status in society to raise awareness about current issues and tell the story of Recy Taylor.  If Taylor were alive to hear the speech, I feel that she would be pleased with Oprah’s telling to her heartbreaking story.  I hope Taylor would be delighted to know that we have not forgotten her story and, as a society, we will learn and grow from it.  I also think it is interesting that Oprah acknowledged the press and their importance in society. Most public figures have grown to resent and scorn journalists and the media, but it was fascinating that Oprah appreciated them during her acceptance speech.  Overall, I think her speech was very inspiring and eloquent, and personally, I believe it was one of the best statements I’ve ever heard.