During the current criticism of Hip-Hop’s language and treatment of women, Oprah Winfrey was one of the loudest voices heard. On Sunday, July 29, viewers will have the chance to see if she is equally skilled at taking criticism. Winfrey will appear on BET’sMeet The Faith along with corporate attorney and investment banker Donald Smart, BET correspondent “Cousin” Jeff Johnson and co-founder of the Ten-point Coalition, Eugene Rivers. The show will debate the issue of keeping charitable contributions within the black community as opposed to donating them abroad.
Winfrey drew sharp criticism for what many viewed as unbalanced coverage of Hip-Hop culture during her two-part “After Imus” series of town hall meetings. Artists such as Ludacris and 50 Cent also lashed out at Winfrey for her coverage of Hip-Hop culture, including her April 10, 2006 “Stupid Girls” segment, which featured Karrine “Superhead” Steffans.
When asked why she chose to open her Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy in Henly-on-Klip, which is roughly 40 miles outside of Johannesburg, South Africa, Winfrey stated that she “became frustrated with inner-city schools,” and that many students didn’t appreciate what they had. “To Hell with your criticism,” said Winfrey. “I don’t care about what you have to say about what I did. It’s what I did.”
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Meet The Faith, has the opportunity to be the first media vehicle to impartially address what many view as the contradiction between Oprah’s decision to side with many Hip-Hop critics and how she handled the criticism about her academy. The show will air Sunday at 11 a.m. Eastern and Pacific Standard Time.
