Ep 70. On Location: Oprah's Post-Inauguration Special

On Location: Oprah's Post-Inauguration Special is a special episode of The Oprah Winfrey Show that aired during the show's 23rd season. This episode takes place on location in Washington, D.C., just a few days after the historic inauguration of Barack Obama as the first African American President of the United States.

Throughout the episode, Oprah interviews a variety of guests who were involved in the inauguration celebration, as well as members of the general public who attended the events. She begins by emphasizing the significance of this moment in American history, and recounting her own personal experience of witnessing the inauguration in person.

One of the first guests Oprah speaks with is Reverend Joseph Lowery, a civil rights icon who delivered the benediction at the inauguration ceremony. Lowery shares his thoughts on what the election of Barack Obama represents for the nation, and what he believes needs to be done moving forward. He also comments on the poem that was read by Elizabeth Alexander during the ceremony, and how powerful he found it.

Next, Oprah turns her attention to a group of young people who were in attendance at the inauguration. She asks them about their thoughts and feelings about witnessing this historic moment, and what they hope will come out of Obama's presidency. They discuss issues like education, healthcare, and the economy, and share stories of how they personally have been impacted by these issues. It's a poignant and insightful conversation that highlights the importance of engaging young people in the political process.

Another guest Oprah speaks with is Maya Angelou, the celebrated poet and author who was also present at the inauguration. Angelou reads a poem that she wrote specifically for the occasion, and talks about what she believes the election of Obama means for the country's future. She also shares her thoughts on the role of artists in shaping the cultural conversation around politics and social justice.

Throughout the episode, there are also a number of musical performances that capture the spirit of the inauguration. Jennifer Hudson sings "The Star-Spangled Banner," and talks about how honored she was to be asked to perform such an important song on such an important day. John Legend also performs his song "If You're Out There," which became something of an anthem for the Obama campaign.

Oprah wraps up the episode with some final thoughts on the significance of this moment in history. She talks about how impressed she was by the peaceful and celebratory atmosphere of the inauguration, and how important it is that we come together as a nation to support our new President. She also reflects on the role of the media in shaping the national conversation, and how she hopes that she and her fellow journalists can continue to inspire and motivate people to work towards positive change.

Overall, On Location: Oprah's Post-Inauguration Special is a moving and insightful episode that captures the excitement and optimism of the historic moment it documents. Through a mix of interviews and musical performances, Oprah and her guests explore the meaning and significance of Barack Obama's election, and offer their own thoughts and hopes for the future of the country. It's a must-watch for anyone interested in American politics, culture, and history.