The Personal Significance of Oprah Winfrey's Unveiled Portrait
Originally Published 2 years ago — by CNN

The unveiling of Oprah Winfrey's portrait at the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery brought back childhood memories for Lisa Respers, a journalist who was inspired by Winfrey's visit to her grandmother's church. Lisa recalls the awe she felt seeing Winfrey speak and how it influenced her career path. Despite a missed opportunity to invite Winfrey to her family's Thanksgiving dinner, Lisa's admiration for Winfrey's accomplishments and cultural impact remains strong. Attending the portrait unveiling felt like a dream come true for Lisa, symbolizing the fulfillment of a lifelong aspiration. While she didn't get to meet Winfrey personally, Lisa believes that everything leading up to that moment was meant to be.