Africa: The politics of coevalness and the creation of a Black counterpublic sphere

In this article, Zine Magubane explores the complex range of issues raised by Oprah’s philanthropy. Chief among them are the power relations that inform charitable acts; the racial politics and history that structure Oprah’s relationship to her viewers; the images of Africa in contemporary culture and how they help to frame her acts of charity; and the significance of Oprah as a trans-racial, trans-cultural, and trans-national cultural icon.