Breonna Taylor featured on historic cover of Oprah Magazine’s September issue
The Louisville EMT who died in a botched police raid is honored by Oprah Magazine
Everyone knows that only Oprah Winfrey ever graces the cover of Oprah Magazine, a decision she made 20 years ago given her marketability and to keep the focus on the magazine’s content. But now Lady O has stepped aside for the first time ever to shine a spotlight on Breonna Taylor.
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Thursday, in a column entitled, “Why Oprah Gave Up Her Cover for the First Time Ever to Honor Breonna Taylor” Winfrey explains her historic decision, which was made right before the publication ends its print run at the end of the year and moves to digital-only.
“She was just like me. She was just like you. And like everyone who dies unexpectedly, she had plans. Plans for a future filled with responsibility and work and friends and laughter,” begins the heartfelt op-ed.
The television mogul then goes on to share what happened when she recently spoke to Taylor’s mother, Tamika Palmer, who was having a particularly rough day of mourning when they connected.
“Those of you who’ve lost loved ones know that the pain comes in waves and that any little thing can trigger it. A song. A scent. A word. A thought. The day I called, Ms. Palmer was dealing with the emotion of it all,” Winfrey recalled.
“She told me, ‘I can’t stop seeing her face. Her smile. It’s what I miss most about her. I still can’t grasp the concept of her being gone. It feels so surreal. I’m still waiting for her to come through the door.’”
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The September issue also features a silhouette of Taylor by Janelle Washington, with 89 names from the African American Policy Forum’s #SayHerName campaign. Each page of the issue, out Aug. 11, includes anti-racist actions readers can take.
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