Oprah Magazine Features Breonna Taylor As September Cover Star; Industry Icon Calls For Justice

Oprah Winfrey will not grace the cover of her eponymous magazine for the first time in the publication’s twenty-year history. Taking the Hollywood legend’s place is Breonna Taylor for the magazine’s September issue.

The publication announced teased its latest cover on social media. In an Instagram and Twitter posts, Winfrey shared why she and the magazine’s team decided to put the Louisville woman on the front page.

“She was just like me. She was just like you. And like everyone who dies unexpectedly, she had plans. Plans for a future filled with responsibility and work and friends and laughter,” Winfrey wrote on Thursday.

Winfrey continued recounting the details of Taylor’s March killing. She encouraged fans and readers to put themselves in the EMT’s position and imagine the chaos of police officers entering their homes without notice.

She also went on to explain that the magazine cover is a way to demand justice for the 26-year-old Louisville resident, whose killers still walk free.

“We can’t be silent. We have to use whatever megaphone we have to cry for justice,” Winfrey added. “The September issue honors her life and the life of every other Black woman whose life has been taken too soon.”

Along with George Floyd and Ahmaud Arbery, Taylor’s name has become a rallying cry for Black Lives Matter protestors demanding justice for the victims of police brutality across the nation. Winfrey joins the scores of stars who have also supported the movement.

In June, Beyonce penned an open letter to Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron demanding justice for Taylor. Additional stars asking for the arrest of Taylor’s killers include Justin Timberlake, Dan Levy, Dwayne Wade, Skai Jackson and Billy Eichner.

The Taylor-fronted Oprah Magazine issue will drop on August 11. Alexis Franklin illustrated and designed the cover image.

Contact Information:

Alexandra Del Rosario

Madiha Ahmed