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She encouraged people all over the country to send in their spare change to help send disadvantage youth to college, and then to top it off she matched their donations to help raise over $2 million. Born in 1954 to unwed parents, Oprah was raised by her grandmother on a farm in Kosciusko, Mississippi. By the age of three, she was reading the Bible and reciting in church. At the age of six, she moved to her mother's home in Milwaukee, Wis.; then to her father's home in Nashville, Tennessee.
During her sophomore year at Tennessee State University, she was hired as Nashville's first female and first African-American TV-news anchor. After graduation, she accepted another position in Baltimore, Md. After realizing she lacked the disinterest to be a reporter, she was given an early morning talk show. |
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Though
she didn't create the talk-show format there is one individual who stands
out as a beacon in the world of entertainment and media. Oprah Winfrey,
the famed TV host, has touched the hearts of millions through her television
show. Her show has an estimated 14 million viewers in the US and millions
more in about 132 countries. Its funny seeing how one person could be
so influential. Any book she promotes for her on-air book club instantly
becomes a best seller.
As
a pre-teen, she's described as a lonely young person. She found comfort
in reading books. Her love for reading eventually earned her a scholarship
to a better school. Her knack for public performance and impulsiveness
in answering questions helped her win beauty contests and gave Winfrey
her first tastes of public recognition.
In
1984, Oprah became the host of A.M. Chicago. This later became The Oprah
Winfrey Show. It was syndicated in 1986 and soon overtook Donahue as
the top rated talk show. Fifteen years later, Oprah Winfrey is still
on top of the game. Her show is one of the most dignified and personal
formats that exists in today's media. She tries to help her viewers
empower themselves and improve their lives. This is what makes Ms. Winfrey
a beacon in such a dark and cruel world.
