Now about Oprah's Gift......

To be honest, I do not know what to think about Oprah's generosity regarding her newly minted Leadership Academy for Girls located in South Africa. There are a myriad of opinions pertaining to her gift-most are positive but none without criticism. For the record, anyone who decides to put their money where their mouth is, as it relates to education should surely be applauded. And I have been a supporter of Ms. Winfrey (not that she needs my help, but you never know) of late regarding certain factions from the hip hop community (as the above video can attest to) who feel that she doesn't rep the ghetto or refuses to show love for minstrel music-who is she to have a problem with half-naked, gyrating women in videos?.....go figure.

My only qualm with Oprah is not her gift but the statement(s) she made regarding her decision to bestow the gift to South African children as opposed to kids in the U.S. To paraphrase Winfrey, she felt that kids in America valued ipods over education and that not only are South African girls in greater need but they would also be more grateful. No doubt that there is a kernel of truth to Oprah's sentiments but there is the adage of "charity begins at home." And I'm sure that there are some inner city youths that would be appreciative of a similar endowment that Winfrey may not be aware of. Mr. and Mrs. Bill Gates do not seem to have this same problem as they have recently committed their considerable resources to improving education in the States.

But on the other side of the equation-if African-Americans did not have such a disconnect from the continent of their origin, perhaps this matter would be moot. Another angle to note, is the fact that this academy ignores little Black boys that are equally in need of educational resources however I do hear that a co-ed school is forthcoming. All in all, I must commend Oprah for her efforts-let's see if Fitty builds a school....I just won't hold my breath. Check out the links below for more criticism pertaining to Oprah's South African gift and info on Oprah's academy:

Freedom Rider: Oprah and Bad Samaritans

Oprah Winfrey's Leadership Academy