Today is Wednesday, May 25, and for many, it’s not just any other day. Today marks the end of an era as talk show host and humanitarian Oprah Gail Winfrey leaves the self-titled show that has become a staple in homes around the world after 25 years of information, tears, laughter and surprises.
RGJ.com reports that Oprah recently said, “I just wanted to be a guest host on ‘Good Morning, America’ ” early in her career. After her agent tried to discourage her from that goal, citing enough blacks in high profile media positions, she fired the agent and set her sights on even loftier goals. In the nearly three decades since then, Winfrey has had a lasting impact on how America and the world thinks, reads, votes, buys and gives.
In the only final interview, with Cheryl Burton of ABC’s WLS-Ch. 7, Oprah credited Dennis Swanson, former station president and general manager, as being the person who pushed her toward the path to success.
“I will be grateful to him for the rest of my life,” Oprah said of the man who first believed in her and put her on the air with her own show. “He told me, ‘We don’t want a Phil Donahue. We already have him. We want you to be you. We want you to be yourself.'” That faith in her and what she could do was the catalyst for her storied success.
The past 30 days have been a whirlwind of memorable moments, sought-after interviews, favorite shows and people and celebrations. Some of her closest friends, such as Gayle King, Maria Shriver, Tyler Perry, who brought 300 Morehouse men with him to her closing extravaganza to pay homage to the woman who has donated millions in scholarship funds, her 4th-grade teacher, Mary Alice Duncan, and, of course, her steady, Stedman Graham. All had words of praise for the talk-show queen and the outstanding, moving tribute held in her honor.
“It was a spiritual show that you will want to play over and over and over,” said Graham of the final taping. Greene said, “It was the perfect hour,” while Duncan called her a “teacher of the world,” and Shriver thanked her for 30 years of friendship and giving her “the truth” at all times.
Although Oprah is a household name around the world, some people are apathetic about
her departure, especially among some African Americans. Some critics say Oprah’s show had “lost the flavor” it once had that made it so popular. Rather than heavy, titillating topics and drama, Oprah seemed to favor celebrity interviews and Better Homes & Gardens-style shows in later years.
A former fan, A.J. of Atlanta said on Facebook, “I’m not a hater, but I’m not a fan either. I don’t remember the last time I saw the show.” A.J.’s comment is similar to Jennifer’s and others.
“Sorry, but I feel no certain way [about Oprah’s last day]. I’m sure she’s got something else planned. She’s filthy rich regardless, whatever she does,” said Jennifer from Youngstown, Oh.
However, most people probably feel more like pastor Darlene of the Cleveland area, who sees Oprah as a “positive person” and has fond memories of watching her show, although she doesn’t agree with all of her beliefs and statements.
“How awesome it is that this African American little girl could grow up during her and our lifetime in these United States of America and be embraced by many other races and cultures and help transform and change their lives and, most importantly, make a difference for the better in our world,” she shared.
“Oprah started her show on a high note and is ending her show on a high note. What a blessing! So where is the next little girl that will do as much or more or even a little of what Oprah has done over these past 25 years? Is it me? Is it you? It is all of us. The legacy must continue!” –arnell pharr
