Oprah Winfrey, the media mogul, philanthropist, and former talk show host, recently delivered a commencement address at the University of California, Santa Barbara. In her speech, Winfrey addressed a range of topics, including the state of the Supreme Court, the challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community, and the importance of staying true to oneself.
Winfrey began by acknowledging the difficult year that the graduates had experienced, including the COVID-19 pandemic and the ongoing fight for racial justice. She then went on to discuss the current state of the Supreme Court, saying that it was “being corrupted” by politics and that the justices were “not making decisions based on the law, but on their personal beliefs.”
The media mogul also spoke about the recent wave of anti-LGBTQ+ legislation in several states, saying that the community was “under attack” and that people needed to speak out against discrimination. She encouraged the graduates to be allies to the LGBTQ+ community and to fight for equality and justice for all.
Throughout her address, Winfrey emphasized the importance of authenticity and staying true to oneself. She urged the graduates to not be afraid to speak their minds and to be their own advocates. “There is no one else like you, and there never will be,” she said. “So you must find your voice, and when you do, use it to lift others up.”
Winfrey also spoke about the power of connection and community, urging the graduates to build meaningful relationships with those around them. “You have the power to make a difference in the world,” she said. “But you can’t do it alone. You need each other, and you need the support of those who love and believe in you.”
In closing, Winfrey encouraged the graduates to embrace their futures with confidence and to never give up on their dreams. “You have the power to create a life that you love, and to make a difference in the world,” she said. “So go out there and make your mark, and remember that you are never alone.”