Last evening my spirit was renewed as I watched in utter fascination 'Oprah Winfrey's Legends Weekend'. Oprah honored twenty-five African-American women for their tireless contributions to the Black communities and to the entire world. I watched in awe as each beautiful legend was given their 'flowers' while they are still living. Tears flowed as they felt the honor and gratitude that, perhaps, had not been shown to them throughout their years of service.
Each one of those remarkable women has impacted my life in different ways. I thank Oprah Winfrey for allowing me to share as a spectator in such a wonderful celebration. It was an historical celebration that all women should embrace.
The 25 legendary women celebrated include Maya Angelou, Shirley Caesar, Diahann Carroll, Elizabeth Catlett, Ruby Dee, Katherine Dunham, Roberta Flack, Aretha Franklin, Nikki Giovanni, Dorothy Height, Lena Horne, Coretta Scott King, Gladys Knight, Patti LaBelle, Toni Morrison, Rosa Parks, Leontyne Price, Della Reese, Diana Ross, Naomi Sims, Tina Turner, Cicely Tyson, Alice Walker, Dionne Warwick and Nancy Wilson.
The historic weekend began Friday with a private luncheon at Oprah's Montecito home where the "legends" were greeted by the "young'uns" -- acclaimed stars, including Alicia Keys, Ashanti, Angela Bassett, Halle Berry, Mary J. Blige, Brandy, Naomi Campbell, Mariah Carey, Natalie Cole, Kimberly Elise, Missy Elliott, Tyra Banks, Iman, Janet Jackson, Phylicia Rashad, Debbie Allen and Alfre Woodard, among others. Throughout the weekend, the "young'uns" paid homage to the "legends" for their great contributions. World-renowned event planner Colin Cowie attended to every detail, and Grammy Award-winner John Legend performed his hit song, "Ordinary People."
On Saturday night, it was an elegant white-tie Legends Ball with notable guests, including Sidney Poitier, Tom Cruise, Katie Holmes, Usher, Barbra Streisand, James Brolin, Lionel Richie, John Travolta, Kelly Preston, Diane Sawyer, Mike Nichols, Maria Shriver, Chris Tucker, Barbara Walters, Quincy Jones, Spike Lee, Senator Barack Obama and Tyler Perry, among many others.
The finale of the Legends weekend was Sunday's exuberant gospel brunch with spontaneous performances by Patti LaBelle, Gladys Knight, Dionne Warwick and Chaka Khan.
Oprah Winfrey's Legends Ball is executive produced by Oprah Winfrey and Ellen Rakieten for Harpo, Inc.
Oprah ended her glorious celebration of these Legends with these words:
"I've always felt deeply rooted and connected to the souls of Black folk who came before me. I see each one of their lives as a bridge to my own - A Bridge to Now. As a young girl, my passion was reciting speeches, memorizing monologues of Sojourner Truth, Mary McCloud Bethune, Fannie Lou Hamer. They were my role models.
Our African-American history makes me keenly aware that the ground on which I travel so freely has been forged by the sweat, intelligence, talent and courage of ancestors who couldn't even imagine the life I am blessed to live. I have fierce respect and reverence for those whose names made history and the millions who did not. Just ordinary people who received no recognition, but who were so resourceful, resilient and remarkable in their perseverance. They endured slavery. Succeeded in spite of segregation. Triumphed over countless indignities. They sang, "We Shall Overcome" and indeed, they did.
I marvel at their will. I celebrate their strength. I rejoice in their determination to keep coming. This celebration is for every legend known and unknown to us then and now.
We honor you. We owe you. We thank you.
Oprah
If you would like to read more about Oprah Winfrey's Legends Weekend visit:
http://www2.oprah.com/presents/2006/legend...
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Tuesday, May 23rd 2006 at 11:41AM
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