Visual Poet Disappointed in Oprah Winfrey Last Shows

As Oprah Winfrey prepares to air her last show; I am overwhelmed with disappointment.  Many have stated the show has enhanced their life.  I just believe the show could have made a difference in the lives of the Negro Leagues players.  Over the decades, I wrote the Oprah Winfrey Show and requested that Oprah plan a special show to honor the players of the Negro Leagues.  I thought the Oprah Winfrey Show was the best venue to bestow the befitting honor; since many of Negro League players were growing older and Oprah Winfrey appeared eager to recognize accomplishments of individuals.  While I waited for a response (that never came); one by one, many of the Negro Leagues players died. 

Years ago, I met many of the Negro Leagues players in Secaucus, New Jersey; Leon Day, Ferguson Jenkins, Buck Leonard, Max Manning, Lester Lockett, Lyman Bostock, Sr., Wilmer Fields, Buck O’Neil, Josh Gibson, Jr., Willie Grace, Josh Johnson, etc.  It’s heartbreaking to know that those fabulous Negro Leagues players were not honored during their baseball heyday and very few were inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame.  And, yet, years later; individuals in positions who can make a difference; continue to disregard the Negro Leagues players as honor, worthy.  However, I am grateful to the United Stated Postal Service for the July 15, 2010 issuance of the Negro Leagues Baseball stamp.  Unfortunately, the Postal Service stamp is a posthumous honor for many of the Negro Leagues players.