OurSpeeches: Share with the World

Oprah Winfrey

Written in: Grade 8 | Year: 2006

“Life is a journey, everyday experience will teach you who you really are.”

From a black southern child born into poverty, to one of the first African-Americans to become a billionaire, this person is an example of what some may call a “rag to riches” story. Now, at the age of 52, they own their own studio, that is worth about 1.4 billion dollars, and is admired by millions of people. But the path that led them from their grandmother’s farm, to being one of the most powerful people in the world, didn’t happen overnight. It took great determination and focus.

Oprah Winfrey was born on January 29th, 1954 in rural Mississippi to her unwed parents Vernon and Vernita. She spent the first six years of her life living with her grandparents, where she learned to read and write at an early age. Oprah once stated that if it wasn’t for her grandmother’s “foundation for success” she probably wouldn’t be as successful as she is today. Despite this, Oprah still had a tough childhood.

From age six to thirteen, Oprah lived with her mother in Milwaukee. Her mother often worked long hours damaging their relationship. In fact, Oprah’s early childhood was not typical for average American girls. She was raped, gave birth to a premature baby, and was sent to a juvenile detention facility. As a last resort, her mother sent her to live with her strict father, in Nashville.

Oprah Winfrey’s success began with her broadcasting career, which she began at the age of 17, when she was hired to read news on the air. After high school, she received a four-year scholarship to Tennessee State University, where she majored in Speech Communication and Performing Arts.

Although Oprah was offered many jobs where she would be able to showcase her talent in public speaking, her big break came on September 6th, 1985, where she was given her own show, appropriately named “The Oprah Winfrey Show” based in Chicago Illinois. The show-addressed issues Oprah felt were important and featured people suffering from poverty, to convicted killers.

The main reason of the Oprah Winfrey Show’s success is due to the fact that Oprah can relate to her audience. She isn’t just another famous entertainer, she’s a role model to everyone, of any gender or race. Due to her difficult childhood, she’s become an advocate for both women and children. In fact, in 1993, former President Bill Clinton signed the national “Oprah Bill” establishing a national database for convicted child abusers.

Oprah has interviewed everyone from Tom Cruise to the late Luther Vandross, and is always keeping her audience up to date with the newest trends. Her warm personality inspires those who watch her daily, yet never meet her in person.

“You get a car! You get a car! You get a car! Everybody gets a car! Isn’t that the wildest? Isn’t that stunning? And guess what? Your cars are waiting right outside!”

Perhaps the most memorable Oprah Winfrey show was when she gave away, 276 Pontiac G6 Sedan’s to an audience filled with people in need of cars. And boy did they ever get one! This is just one example of her generosity.

Produced by her own production company, Harpo Productions Inc, the show was an estimated 49 million viewers a week, in the US alone, and was broadcasted in 121 worldwide.

“I don’t think you can ever stop giving. I really don’t. I think it’s an on-going process. And it’s not just being able to write a check. It’s being able to touch somebody’s life.”

Oprah is also known for her charity work. From helping out with the Hurricane Katrina Relief, to her current projects in Africa, she’s always there to lend a helping hand. One of her projects that touched my heart was Christmas Kindness 2002 where she gave 50, 000 underprivileged children, their first Christmas gift. She’s also building the “Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy For Girls-South Africa” which is scheduled to open in 2007.

Oprah Winfrey is caring, intelligent, and influential. She’s truly my heroine, and I love her for all she’s accomplished. Because of her well being, she’s widened the path of opportunity and success, for many coloured girls like myself.