In a compelling graduation speech at Tennessee State University (TSU), media mogul Oprah Winfrey addressed various issues such as LGBTQ+ rights, gun violence, and women’s rights. Winfrey, a long-time supporter of LGBTQ+ rights, urged the graduates to use their education to make a difference amidst a challenging political landscape.
Navigating the Current Political Climate
Winfrey began by painting a picture of the current state of affairs: “You’ve witnessed the storming of the Capitol and the death of civility. You’re acutely aware that voting rights are being gutted. Women’s rights are being dismantled, books are being banned, history is being rewritten. The Supreme Court is being corrupted… the LGBT+ community is under attack.” She went on to emphasize the importance of making a difference, starting with being good to at least one other person every single day.
Empowering Graduates to Make a Difference
The legendary talk show host struck a more optimistic tone, expressing the hope that the graduates would use their education to make a positive impact: “Everybody here wants to see you take your integrity, your curiosity, your creativity, your guts, and this new-found education of yours, and use it to make a difference.” She reminded the audience that making a difference doesn’t require grand gestures, but rather begins with simple acts of kindness.
A Look Back at Oprah’s TSU Experience
Winfrey also took a moment to share her personal journey at TSU. She recounted how she fell one credit short of graduating in 1975 due to her budding television career. In 1988, she finally submitted a paper to complete her degree, “right around the time I got my third Emmy,” she joked.
Oprah’s History-Making Interviews
Throughout her career, Winfrey has conducted groundbreaking interviews with high-profile figures such as Prince Harry and Meghan Markle and actor Elliot Page. Page, the star of The Umbrella Academy, spoke with Winfrey in 2021 about coming out as trans and using her platform to shed light on anti-LGBTQ+ legislation. The actor stressed the devastating impact of such bills, stating, “These bills are going to be responsible for the death of children. It’s that simple.”