Oprah Winfrey is taking a big step to ensure all of her employees engage in their civic duty.
As the November election nears, Winfrey has pledged to make election day a paid holiday for all OWN employees. The media mogul announced the decision in a video posted on Instagram.
“Today marks the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment, which gave women – although not all women – the right to vote. In honor of those who fought and continue to fight for our rights, I’m announcing that November 3rd, Election Day, will be a company holiday at @owntv,” she captioned the video. “This will give my team the necessary time to put on their masks, get to the polls, cast their ballots, and volunteer.”
Related Story: OWN Launches Voting Initiative Targeting Black Women in Battleground States
Winfrey urged other companies to follow her lead.
“I challenge other companies to do the same because this might be the most important election of our lives. Together we can overcome all obstacles in order to exercise our right to vote. Follow @ownyourvote for more updates this election season,” she wrote.
She touched on the importance of voting for women, and especially for Black women in this country. As she spoke, a montage of prominent Black women was displayed including, Shirley Chisholm, Rep. Maxine Waters, Rep. Ayanna Pressley, and Democratic vice presidential nominee Sen. Kamala Harris.
Winfrey has been a major voice calling for change this year. She recently launched an initiative to encourage Black women in battleground states to vote.
Meanwhile, the cover of the September issue of O: The Oprah Magazine featured Breonna Taylor, who was killed by police officers earlier this year. This marked the first time in nearly two decades that Winfrey didn’t appear on the cover.
