1. Oprah Gail Winfrey Living Her Best Life
Born into humble means, Oprah Winfrey has overcome many obstacles, both personal and cultural, to become the leader of a multi-media industry.
Although she is famous for her pioneering talk show, The Oprah Winfrey Show, Ms. Winfrey has gone on to do many other business ventures throughout the media industry. These ventures include O Magazine, The Best Life Workshops, several movies functioning as both actress and producer, as well as being co-founder of the cable network Oxygen dedicated to television for women.
She began a book club that was the product of her love of reading and education, that has made little known authors famous overnight.
Her philanthropic work is almost as famous as her work before the camera. Ms. Winfrey has been active in protecting children, first with the passage of “Oprah’s Bill”, which provides a national database of convicted child abusers, and also with her work with charities which include Oprah’s Angel Network.
I feel like I would do this if I didn't get a dime for it, and that's why you know you are doing the right thing -- because it doesn't even feel like work.

2. Oprah Gail Winfrey Living Her Best Life
In 1973, at the age of 19 became the youngest and only African American Woman to Anchor the news for WTVF-TV in Nashville.
1987: Oprah Winfrey Show goes live from Forsyth County, Georgia. No Blacks had been allowed to live there since 1912
Oprah was named Broadcaster of the Year by the International Television and Radio Society. The youngest-ever recipient of that award.
1984: Moved to Chicago to host the low rated “AM Chicago”. Within one month became top rated.
1985: Nominated for an Academy Award for her portrayal of Sofia in “The Color Purple”.
1960 moved in with her Mother, excelled in school, ran wild at home.
Born July 29, 1954 to unmarried teenage parents
Taught by her Grandmother to read at the age of three.
Gave birth to a stillborn son at age 14. Moved in with her father, who with strict discipline helped turn her life around.
1976: Became the co-host of “People are Talking” in Baltimore.
1988: Harpo Studios created, and Oprah becomes only the 3rd woman, and 1st African American woman ever to own her own studio.
1985: Show expanded to one hour and is renamed the “Oprah Winfrey Show”
1986: Oprah Winfrey Show becomes nationally syndicated.
1998: Sued by Texas Cattlemen after commenting that she would not eat beef after the mad cow scare. They contented that her popularity caused the price of beef to tumble.
1998: Co-Founder of Oxygen Network, which is television dedicated to women.
1990: Inception of “Oprah Winfrey Presents” which makes films out of classic and contemporary books.
1996: Receives the Peabody Award for Individual Achievement
2004: Time Magazine names her one of the 100 Most Influential People.
2005: Named to National Association for the Advancement of Colored People Hall of Fame
2002: Receives the Bob Hope Humanitarian Award.
2000: “O Magazine” debuts.
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1988: Receives a Daytime Emmy’s Lifetime Achievement Award.
2002: Expands her humanitarian efforts to South Africa.
2004: Receives the UN Humanitarian Action Award
2007: The Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls in South Africa is set to open.
1995: 1st woman to head the Forbes Top 40 Entertainers List. Only African American on the Top 400 Richest Americans List
1996: Begins Book Club which is wildly successful and currently has 600,000 members
1997: Begins Oprah’s Angel Network which encourages viewers to volunteer, as well as donate to the Angel Charity. To date 100% of viewer donations have gone directly to people in need.
"What material success does is provide you with the ability to concentrate on other things that really matter. And that is being able to make a difference, not only in your own life, but in other people's lives."

3. Oprah Gail Winfrey Living Her Best Life
Overcoming Obstacles
Ms. Winfrey was born to unwed teenage parents in 1954, the same year that racial segregation in schools was overturned.
She was raised initially by her Grandmother, so that her Mom could find a job in the Northern US.
At age six, Ms. Winfrey moved to Milwaukee to live with her mother.
She was raped as a young girl by several male relatives. She never told anyone, but began acting out.
At age 14, Ms. Winfrey gave birth to a stillborn son, and the experience made her want to turn her life around.
She moved in with her strict disciplinarian father, and began working very hard at her educational pursuits.
"I knew there was a way out. I knew there was another kind of life because I had read about it. I knew there were other places, and there was another way of being."

4. African American Affiliations
Oprah Gail Winfrey Living Her Best Life
African American Affiliations
Ms. Winfrey runs a charity called the Oprah Winfrey Foundation which grants scholarships to children who have merit, but lack funding to receive a higher education
Ms. Winfrey makes a conscientious effort to highlight works of African American authors on her show, and in her book club. Also, she has used her studio to make African American literature into movies.
Beginning in 2002, Ms. Winfrey expanded her humanitarian outreach to include South Africa. Through the Oprah Winfrey Foundation, she has helped provide for the practical needs of 50,000 children, as well as increasing their educational opportunities by providing teachers and materials.
I will continue to strive to give back to the world what it has given to me…
-Part of the speech made when receiving the Bob Hope Humanitarian Award

5. Glass Half Full Ideology
Oprah Gail Winfrey Living Her Best Life
Glass Half Full Ideology
Oprah Winfrey clearly lives by a “glass half full” ideology. She has overcome many obstacles to become one of the most respected and powerful women in the United States. She has faced many hardships in life, and they have grown her as a person, yet not allowed her to become consumed in mire, and unable to move. She uses her experiences, money, and time to make the lives of others better. Ms. Winfrey tries to live her life to the best of her abilities and does so on a day by day basis. She is eager to learn and grow educationally and as a person. She wants to open up opportunities for other people, particularly through education, and help the future generations have a better tomorrow. Ms. Winfrey defied the odds and overcame adversity, and she dedicates her life to helping others.
“It doesn’t matter who you are or where you came from, the ability to triumph begins with you. Always.”
– Academy of Achievement Induction 1989