The largest guest speaker turnout in Oakland’s history, 1,300 people, greeted talk show host Oprah Winfrey in the Oakland Center last Wednesday.
The audience consisted of students, faculty, staff, general public and 300 seventh and eighth graders participating in Project Challenge, a program aimed at preparing minority students for college.
Winfrey spoke on Black Awareness Month and the importance of taking responsibility.
Tony Boganey and Ellen Jones, the student co-chairs of Oakland’s Black Awareness Month, opened the program. Joyce Goins of the OU Gospel Choir led the audience in a verse of Lift Every Voice and Sing, the “Negro National Anthem.” Winfrey was introduced by Wilma Ray-Bledsoe, vice president of student affairs.
Winfrey’s speech, with humorous quips throughout, touched on her upbringing in Kosciusko, Mississippi. It also mentioned the great legacy of men and women like Martin Luther King, Jr. and Sojourner Truth, a famous black woman who spoke at a women’s suffrage convention.
The dramatic reading of a speech by Truth and the reflections of a slave named Bryon Brown were emotionally presented and received.
“It makes no difference if you were born in a slum or a condominium overlooking a lake. The power to take control over your life begins and ends with you,” said Winfrey. “Conceive an idea, believe in the idea, achieve that idea.”
Feelings of frustration, anxiety, anger and jealousy are self-destructing, according to Winfrey. She also spoke of discovering “God’s gift” in “your inner self.”
“If you are doing what you are suppose to do it feels right,” said Winfrey.
“Everyone cannot be famous but everyone can be great. If you delight yourself in the Lord he will give you the desires of your heart…”
A short question and answer period followed her speech, with questions ranging from her show to metaphysics.
Throughout the program Winfrey was warmly received by the audience.
“I was surprised,” said Nancy Peebles, a general public ticket holder. “I didn’t know she was such an eloquent speaker. Very talented and gifted by the readings she gave.”
“I love her,” said Andrea Cannon, freshman. “She really knows what she’s talking about and really feels it.”
Alumna Eva Dorsey thought Winfrey brought out many good points and gave young people something to think about.
“She’s a dynamic speaker. I wish she would have told more about her background and college education,” said De Witt Dykes, associate professor of history and the faculty chair of Black Awareness Month.
“She spoke to the people inspirationally and down to Earth at the same time.”
