The Oprah Winfrey Show Season 20 Episode 29

The Oprah Winfrey Show Season 20 Episode 29 Breaking News: Oprah Presents Another $100,000 Reward

  • October 27, 2005

In season 20 episode 29 of The Oprah Winfrey Show, titled "Breaking News: Oprah Presents Another $100,000 Reward," Oprah makes a surprise announcement in the wake of the tragic murder of four young girls in Birmingham, Alabama.

As she stands on stage in front of a live audience, Oprah's tone is serious as she explains the details of the case. In September of 1963, a bomb exploded in the 16th Street Baptist Church, killing four African-American girls who were attending Sunday school. The crime rocked the nation and sparked outrage, but despite an FBI investigation and two trials, it remained unsolved for decades.

Now, more than 40 years later, Oprah is determined to help bring the perpetrators to justice. She announces that she is offering a $100,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for the bombing. The audience erupts in applause, and Oprah's passion for the cause is clear.

Throughout the episode, Oprah interviews several guests who shed light on the history of the case and the impact it has had on their lives. One guest, Sarah Collins Rudolph, was the fifth girl in the church that day and survived the bombing, but suffered life-changing injuries. She shares her memories of that fateful morning and also talks about the discrimination and inequality she faced in the aftermath of the attack.

Another guest, Carolyn McKinstry, was a childhood friend of the four girls who were killed and also narrowly escaped the bombing. She describes the emotional toll the tragedy has taken on her and her community, and offers some insight into possible suspects in the case.

Oprah also speaks with former FBI agent Bill Flemming, who worked on the investigation in the 1960s. He shares some of the challenges the team faced in gathering evidence and building a case, and explains why the case was ultimately closed without any convictions.

Throughout the episode, Oprah interjects with her own thoughts and reflections on the case, expressing her deep sadness and frustration that justice has not been served. She also highlights the importance of not forgetting the victims and their families, and encourages anyone with information to come forward.

As the show comes to a close, Oprah announces that the reward money has already been raised through donations from her viewers. She urges anyone with information to contact the FBI and promises that their identity will be protected.

In summary, season 20 episode 29 of The Oprah Winfrey Show is a powerful and emotional call to action for justice in the 1963 Birmingham church bombing case. Through personal stories, expert analysis, and her own passion, Oprah brings attention to a tragedy that has gone unsolved for far too long.

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Description
  • First Aired
    October 27, 2005
  • Language
    English