It's the day of the grand opening.
Oprah invites some of her dearest friends, dignitaries and celebrities to help her celebrate.
People who've inspired her, like Sidney Poitier.
People who've inspired her, like Quincy Jones.
Oprah's greatest living hero, former South African President Nelson Mandela, joins her at Opening Day.
Oprah asks everyone to bring their favorite books that have inspired them to donate to the library. Malaak and Chris Rock's daughters, Lola and Zahra, too!
Then the girls give tours of their new campus. "One of these young ladies said she was going to be president of South Africa, and I believe her," Spike Lee says.
Tina Turner says, "I could really see that this could easily be the future of Africa here."
Thando, who dreams of being an actress, impresses Sidney Poitier. "This little child, she mesmerized me. She was poised, articulate... It was really remarkable!"
The girls are excited to mingle with dignitaries and public figures. Here they pose for a picture with Chris Tucker.
The girls sing with India.Arie.
The girls teach Diane Sawyer how to introduce herself in their language.
They make Chris Rock dance for them!
There are plenty of hugs to go around from Mariah Carey.
Mary J. Blige hugs a student at the opening of the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls.
Oprah and Nelson Mandela address the daughters of the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls and their special audience.
"To stand on the same stage with Nelson Mandela, a man who survived 27 years in prison and came out with no bitterness to lead a new and free South Africa...it was a pinnacle life moment for me," says Oprah.
If standing on stage with Nelson Mandela was a momentous occasion for Oprah, can you imagine what it was like for these girls?
Nelson Mandela addresses the audience, "We hope that the school will become the dream of every young South African girl!"
For Oprah, this is a lifetime commitment: "The spirit of myself, the very essence of who I am, will always be with those girls because my goal is to provide opportunities for girls to continue to shine into the future, not just now, but 100 years from now."
