Lifting While You Climb

Over the last decade, I have had a love/hate relationship with Oprah. She is truly a relative in my head - you know that cousin, sister, aunt that you love to death, but at times you would like to wring their neck!

I am a firm believer that if you are making your money than you should spend your money the best way you see fit. Sometimes though I feel like Oprah's choices intentionally veer away from her Black American roots. How? We all know when Oprah talks, folks listen - it is responsible for the meteoric fame of Dr. Phil, Rachel Ray and Nate Berkus. Most recently Jerry Seinfeld's wife has been the benefactor of that Oprah magic. My question is - what about sisters, who are not a celebrity and are not connected to one - why aren't they afforded these opportunities? For every Dr. Phil there is a psychologist of African descent who could benefit from a platform like hers. I just think of my small circle of creatives, community activists, writers, performers, clinicians, etc., that can't even get through to one of Oprah's people to get their big chance.

I say all this to say that Oprah did a wonderful thing for those young ladies in Africa. They were given a state of the art school with the ULTIMATE mentor. In addition, her circle of friends also pass on their pearls of wisdom which will forever have these girls reaching for new heights. HOWEVER, I am sure that there are hundred of black girls in the US that would also benefit from this program. Not only that, there would be a chance for Oprah and her staff to take advantage of background checks to minimize the risk of sexual improprieties. Now I feel as if Oprah is about to get the Big Payback - the potential of a group of African parents actively pursued by attorneys who will try to bury Oprah in litigation until the school is forced to close. Not to say that can't happen here - but she sure could have leveraged her resources closer to home to reduce the chances of it happening! I love you Oprah, but don't forsake your sisters here in the States!

I am finished with the soap box segment of this program. I want to congratulate the Red Sox for the second World Series this century! I would not describe myself as a sports fanatic, but I do pay attention to those moments of greatness that come from my people. In addition to the Sox, the Patriots are on fire! Makes living in the Bean a beautiful thing. Big up to David Ortiz, Manny Ramirez, CoCo Crisp and the other players of color on the team.

With that I wish you all the best today and always.

G