Today is my guru, Oprah Winfrey’s birthday. Mama “O” is my role model and that is the sentiment of so many women. She has had the opportunity to touch the lives of millions of people and her impact will be felt for generations to come. I wanted to take some time to salute her and share with my audience how this woman has contributed greatly to who I am today.
I was introduced to Oprah Winfrey back in 1986. My mother was watching the premiere of her talk show and I was mesmerized at seeing a black woman as the host of a show. Ok, I was only 7 years old at the time, but I had never seen a black woman walking around with a microphone on stage on television before. I have loved the mic as far back as I can remember, so to see someone that looks like me doing it daily… well let’s just say it helped further my idea that the microphone would be my lifelong friend.
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It’s no secret that Oprah has been very influential in my life. I am the CEO of an online media company because of her. Her mission to be a servant to others and to be the voice of those who have yet to find their voice is why I strive to help people tell their stories, celebrate their amazing abilities, and speak out to empower us in who we were created to be. My favorite quote from Oprah is, “I believe you get out of life what you have the courage to ask for.” This message has helped me to be fearless and unashamed to ask questions in regards to anything that I’ve wanted to do or achieve.
So on today, let’s show Oprah Winfrey much love. I am thankful to have grown up in her era and to see her evolve into THE Oprah Winfrey the world knows her as today. Her lessons will live on in me and I will share those lessons with my mentees and other women I encounter. That is what a legacy really is. It has nothing to do with bloodlines. It is about the teachings and knowledge that you instill in others that continue to be taught well after you have left this world.
