Oprah Winfrey, a name that holds great power. A name of strength and a name which brings light to the incredible work that a person can do.
This significant work that the person with a strong name has done received a prestigious award which signified the work that this individual has done over time. The Golden Globes was such a magnificent night in itself; but it was Oprah’s speech that genuinely set the night for many minority groups, uniquely colored and women. The night of the Golden Globes, Oprah was awarded the Cecil B. DeMille Award for lifetime achievement. An award which holds great significance in itself.
For anyone who may not believe Oprah truly deserves to win a lifetime achievement award, then you have failed to see what she has accomplished. There are numerous reasons why a lifetime achievement award is necessary for an individual like Oprah some of which include that despite the struggles in her early life, she has been able to become successful. Being born in poverty and pregnant at the age of 14 after being molested, she didn’t stop to dream and take steps to become successful. These ventures varied, which included winning the Miss Black Pageant at age 17 and landing a radio job in high school. She also got the opportunity to co-anchor an evening show at an early age of 19.
If Oprah has received a lifetime achievement award, it is because she has accomplished so much with the time she has had. She achieved so much, to the point that Forbes labeled her as one of the wealthiest entertainers, who is worth 3.1 billion dollars.
So, can we genuinely disagree with the fact that she is worth this lifetime award?
When we identify the award she received, we can honestly say, she serves as a role model for many. But, what makes her even more special about this award is that made the award much more than her.
Some of the points that made her speech stand out were
1) "In 1964, I was a little girl sitting on the linoleum floor of my mother's house in Milwaukee watching Anne Bancroft present the Oscar for best actor at the 36th Academy Awards. She opened the envelope and said five words that literally made history: 'The winner is Sidney Poitier.'”
She shows grace in which she shares an award with an idol. The idol which she identified with when the struggles in her life limited her to the floor of her home. For her the moment, is the moment which many are able to identify as history for themselves today.
2) “For too long women have not been heard or believed, but that time is up.”
She mentioned the women who have come out and shared their stories under the sexual harassment they have faced. She shared how she is proud of these women, as it takes courage to speak about the experiences they have encountered. Oprah identifies that the struggles are being identified and hopes that they overcome their experiences by teaching the world.
3) “It is not lost on me that, at this moment, there is some little girl watching as I become the first Black woman to be given [this] award. It is an honor and it is a privilege to share the evening with all of them.”
She shows that what was merely a dream is now a reality for her. This shows that if someone like Oprah is able to accomplish the dreams she set for herself, then everyone else is able to as well.
The points Oprah used in her speech, allowed her to establish where she came from, what drives her, and what she has yet to accomplish. They signified the importance of her journey but also set for other people that they can achieve anything they wish for if they dare to do so.
Oprah is a woman, who may be well known, wealthy, and have such popularity; but she is a woman who has become a role model.
If you are as inspired by Oprah and her words, check out her full speech here.
