Posted by | Ray Cornelius 

Oprah Winfrey made history Sunday evening as the first African-American woman to ever receive the Cecil B. deMille Award during the “75th Golden Globe Awards” telecast on NBC.

As previously reported, the coveted award is given annually to talented individuals for their “outstanding contributions to the world of entertainment.”  Winfrey thanked a myriad of people who have been instrumental throughout her career including her beau Stedman Graham and her BFF Gayle King. She also recalled a turning point in her childhood when she watched legendary actor Sidney Poitier receive the Academy Award on television in 1964 for his performance in “Lillies of the Field.”

In addition to Poitier, Winfrey also recognized Civil Rights pioneer Rosa Parks and Recy Taylor, an African American woman who was kidnapped after leaving church and ganged-raped by six White men in 1944. Taylor recently passed away and is the subject of the new indie film, “The Rape of Recy Taylor.” Winfrey’s acknowledgement of these brave souls was a befitting tribute to the numerous women who have been violated throughout the years, whether as a domestic worker or CEO of a major corporation.

“For too long, women have not been heard or believed if they dared to speak their truth to the power of those [abusive] men. But their time is up…” said Winfrey.

Check out the full speech below:

Photo Credit: YouTube/NBC

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