Photo by: Kwaku Alston
“We’re all so blessed to live the lives that we do. I realize that we didn’t get here alone. So many people have helped pave this road for all of us. I would like to pay tribute and honor some of those who’ve come before and have been a Bridge to Now, all legends in entertainment and civil rights, a prestigious group of women I admire and respect. I would be so happy if you could join me in honoring and celebrating them.”
—Oprah
Dr. Dorothy Height, civil rights activist Yolanda Adams, singer Iman, model Diana Ross, singer Debbie Allen, actress-dancer Janet Jackson, singer Valerie Simpson, singer-composer Dr. Maya Angelou, author Judith Jamison, dancer-choreographer Naomi Sims, model Ashanti, singer Beverly Johnson, model Anna Deavere Smith, Tyra Banks, model Alicia Keys, singer actress-playwright Angela Bassett, actress Chaka Khan, singer Susan L. Taylor, editorial director, Essence Kathleen Battle, opera singer Coretta Scott King, civil rights activist Tina Turner, singer Halle Berry, actress Gayle King, editor at large, Cicely Tyson, actress Mary J. Blige, singer O, The Oprah Magazine Dionne Warwick, singer Shirley Caesar, singer Gladys Knight, singer Nancy Wilson, singer Naomi Campbell, model Patti LaBelle, singer Oprah Winfrey Mariah Carey, singer Darnell Martin, director-screenwriter Alfre Woodard, actress Diahann Carroll, actress-singer Audra McDonald, actress-singer The Legends Unable to Attend Elizabeth Catlett, artist Terry McMillan, author Melba Moore, actress-singer Katherine Dunham, Pearl Cleage, poet-playwright choreographer-dancer Brandy Norwood, actress-singer Natalie Cole, singer Aretha Franklin, singer Ruby Dee, actress Michelle Obama, community affairs executive Nikki Giovanni, poet Kimberly Elise, actress Suzan-Lori Parks, playwright Lena Horne, actress-singer Missy Elliot, rap artist Suzanne de Passe, producer-writer Toni Morrison, author Roberta Flack, singer Leontyne Price, opera singer Rosa Parks, civil rights activist Pam Grier, actress Phylicia Rashad, actress Alice Walker, author Della Reese, actress-singer