Oprah Winfrey Instagram – When I was a junior in high school, we were called to an assembly to listen to Jesse Jackson speak. His speech had a profound effect on me when he said:
“Excellence is the best deterrent to racism. Therefore, BE excellent. Excellence is the best deterrent to sexism. Therefore, BE excellent. In all your doing and being, strive for excellence.”
I wrote those words down and later turned them into a poster in my bedroom. They became a daily mantra for me. Later, when I became a young reporter, he was my first interview with a “national” figure. He inspired hope that will live on as he rests in peace. | Posted on 18/Feb/2026 01:09:42
