How ‘Watching Oprah’ Went from an American Pastime to the Latest Smithsonian Exhibit
Link to the original article on Walker’s Legacy
June 14, 2018
Smithsonian’s National Museum for African American History in Washington D.C. unveiled its latest exhibit, “Watching Oprah: The Oprah Winfrey Show and American Culture, June 8. The exhibit showcases the career of one of American television’s national treasures and renowned TV host Oprah Winfrey.
Winfrey, who is one of the museum’s largest financial benefactors, did not have any say in the development of the exhibit but left much of that work– including the donation of her memorabilia from her life and tenure on the Oprah Winfrey show– to officials at NMAAHC.
“This is not a show for Oprah or by Oprah,” said museum director Lonnie Bunch.
“This is a show about other issues using the lens of Oprah.”
Although her talk show ended over seven years ago, its impact on American culture and lives remains. After taking her first walkthrough of the exhibit with “CBS This Morning,” Winfrey expressed the recognition “affirmed for me what an astounding life this is.”
[VIDEO: https://youtu.be/U7HguzCEESc]
“It made me cry because it is full circle that the mission was accomplished,” she continued. “The intention was fulfilled, and that was to be a mirror for people to see themselves, in other people, in others’ stories; and by watching those stories of other people, be lifted, be inspired, be encouraged in a way that makes you think you can do better in your own life.”
Learn more about “Watching Oprah: The Oprah Winfrey Show and American Culture,” on display until June 30, 2018, here.
