Oprah Winfrey helps raise thousands for Bennett College

By Melde Rutledge
The Carolina Peacemaker | Last updated: Nov 14, 2006 - 10:35:00 AM

Bennett College for Women

Oprah Winfrey
Photo: MGN Online

Originally, Ms. Winfrey said that she wanted to visit Bennett to speak with just the students of the private historically Black women�s institution. But after she heard that the gala was a fundraiser, she explained that she was compelled to lend a hand to the Bennett Belles.

GREENSBORO, N.C. (NNPA) - After months of buildup, media icon Oprah Winfrey accomplished what many people believed she would do on October 20—help raise thousands of dollars for Bennett College for Women.

Ms. Winfrey, best recognized for her Emmy Award-winning television show, was the focal point of the benefit gala that evening at the Grandover Resort.

The event was designed to raise funds for the academic institution’s Revitalizing Bennett Campaign that plans to raise $50 million by 2007.

"This is a joy," said Bennett President Johnnetta Cole.

The event, according to Bennett’s executive assistant to the vice president for institutional advancement, Wanda Mobley, raised approximately $500,000 from ticket sales and sponsorships.

"Your presence here tonight ensures that we will indeed be able to hold Bennett’s doors open for many, many, many years to come," Dr. Arthur Affleck, Bennett’s vice president for institutional advancement, told the audience of approximately 830 people, who paid $250, $500 and $1,000 per seat. So far, the school has raised approximately $31 million for their campaign.

Originally, Ms. Winfrey said that she wanted to visit Bennett to speak with just the students of the private historically Black women’s institution. But after she heard that the gala was a fundraiser, she explained that she was compelled to lend a hand to the Bennett Belles.

"I only do that when I think it really matters," she said about giving speeches, due to her hectic schedule. "And I think Bennett really matters."

Ms. Winfrey did visit the campus that day to speak with students prior to the gala that evening.

"We had very interesting talks about music and our culture, and what the music and our culture is saying to young women," she said about the discussion that day, which focused on the power of words in music and television. "And when you allow yourself to be called a b--- and a wh---, and dance to the beat of it, consciously and unconsciously it says to you that you are less than."

Ms. Winfrey explained how she learned the strength of words from her close friend, esteemed poet, author and educator, Dr. Maya Angelou.

Bennett College
Photo: Bennett.edu

Other notable names in attendance included U.S. Congressman Mel Watt; Judge Maybelline Ephraim, from the television show, "Divorce Court," and a welcomed surprise from acclaimed gospel singer Shirley Caesar who sang a moving gospel hymn before Ms. Winfrey spoke to the audience.

Ms. Winfrey’s comments centered on encouraging people who have succeeded in life to give back to those in need.

"You cannot continue to move forward in your life unless you’re willing to give back what you have been given," she said. "It is a responsibility. It is our charge. It is our calling."

One of the most rewarding accomplishments Ms. Winfrey says she has done pertains to the construction of a multi-million dollar all-girls academy in Johannesburg, South Africa—suitably named the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls.

What began as an agreement with former South African President Nelson Mandela to build a $10 million facility for underprivileged girls has become a $40 million-and- counting project.

She says the school will be the finest of its kind on the continent of Africa: sitting on 52 acres of land and consisting of 28 buildings, which includes a gym, library, wellness center, six dormitories, and an auditorium for grades seven through 12. When the all-female school is completed in 2007, it will provide accommodations for up to 450 students.

As a child who lived with a single mother on welfare, to become the world’s first Black female billionaire, Ms. Winfrey explained how she relates to poor, underprivileged girls in Africa, whom she says many may see as being insignificant to society.

"They said to me from the very beginning, when I started working with their architects, ‘These girls come from huts. They come from nothing. Why do you need to do all of this?’" Ms. Winfrey recalled. "I do all of this because I am these girls."

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