Breonna Taylor is gracing the cover of O Magazine

For the first time in twenty years, Oprah Winfrey will not appear on the cover of her very own magazine. Taking the icon’s place in the latest issue in September will be Breonna Taylor, an emergency medical technician from Louisville, KY who was tragically killed on March 13^th.

What We Know:

• Just days after the publication announced it will be ending its print version of the magazine in December, a teaser for the next issue was revealed on Thursday showing off the brilliant cover art on social media, on what might be one of the last physical issues ever printed.
• Winfrey explained why she and her team made the decision to represent Taylor on the front page. Oprah Magazine’s editor in chief, Lucy Kaylin, backed that by confirming that discussions on how to spread awareness about police brutality influenced that choice.

#BreonnaTaylor for our September cover. pic.twitter.com/yyulcONtgv

— O The Oprah Magazine (@oprahmagazine) July 30, 2020

• Winfrey continues to recall the unfortunate event of Breonna Taylor, in an effort to demonstrate to all of its readers of the chaos that can ensue should police officers make unexpected visits to homes. Taylor’s appearance on the front cover also serves as a call for action for the 26-year-old, demanding justice for the killers who still roam free.
• Winfrey added that the public shouldn’t remain quiet, but should use every means necessary to have their voice heard. “The September issue honors her life and the life of every other Black woman whose life has been taken too soon,” she stated.
• Taylor’s name is one of many, including Ahmaud Arbery and George Floyd, who people have rallied for in the Black Lives Matter movement. Winfrey is yet another influential face that joins a plethora of other stars standing together for justice.
• A recent example is Beyoncé reaching out to Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron in June, demanding justice for Taylor. Justin Timberlake, Dwayne Wade, and Billy Eichner are just a few names of celebrities who have also called for her killers to be punished.

Taylor’s front page appearance on this fall season Oprah Magazine issue will be released on August 11. Alexis Franklin, a talented young artist from Dalla, TX, is credited for creating and designing the cover image.