The Representation of a True American Icon: Oprah Winfrey By: Danielle Lanier

Who is Oprah Winfrey? Here’s a short Biography about Oprah “Breathe. Let go. And remind yourself that this very moment is the only one you know you have for sure. “

How Oprah’s Broken Barriers  Oprah Winfrey has broken barriers in many different aspects throughout her career. Being a woman, a woman of color at that, on television and changing the way the world thinks of media was/is a major achievement, not only for her, but for anyone on the same path she was on in her earlier years. Oprah Winfrey showed the world that no matter what color you are, what gender you are, as long as you put in the effort to do what you dream, you can accomplish it. “I'm black, I don't feel burdened by it and I don't think it's a huge responsibility. It's part of who I am. It does not define me. “

Media & Television Career  Began career as radio station host in high school.  At 19 she became the youngest new anchor hosting the news on a local News show.  A few years later she began hosting on a Chicago day time television show; a year later it was renamed the Oprah Winfrey Show.  Revolutionized the way media is accepted and viewed today.  “The Queen of Daytime Television”  Had the number 1 talk show for 24 consecutive seasons.  15 years, 24 season, 5, 000 broadcasts later, Oprah retired the Oprah Winfrey Show.  Has television network called OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network.  Magazines, book labels, and various other media outlets to her name. “The biggest adventure you can take is to live the life of your dreams. “

What She’s Done  Created “The Angel Network” to encourage people around the world to make a difference in the lives of others.  Invested $40 million and opened the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls in South Africa.  Began the Angel Network and O Ambassadors  Donates to numerous charities on a yearly basis at least.  Oprah testified before the US congress and initiated the National Child Protection Act in  Founded Families for Better Lives Foundation to help abused children.

Accomplishments  Won 7 daytime Emmys for an Outstanding Talk Show & Talk Show Host  First black billionaire in America  3rd Woman in history to own a major studio.  Oprah received the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People's Entertainer of the year award in  In 2002, Oprah received the Bob Hope Humanitarian Award at the 2002 Emmy Awards for her services to television and film.  Her efforts were applauded by Nelson Mandela who congratulated her for overcoming her own disadvantaged youth to become a benefactor for others and for investing in the future of South Africa.  She has her own magazine titled O Magazine, where she touches upon different areas of one's life like health, interior decorating, spirituality and the likes.

The Oprah Effect Oprah introduced to the world Dr. Oz and Dr. Phil; Two people that were first shown on her television show and now have their own spin off shows because of this. Dr. Oz is a well known physician known for his down to earth and realist with untraditional ways to get healthy and live a healthy life. Dr. Phil is a well known psychologist who has helped millions with his words of wisdom and guidance through tough situations.

Oprah is a true inspiration and representation of an American Icon Oprah is an inspiration to millions and has paved the way to help millions from her hard work in the media industry. Any American you ask in an American household would be able to recognize the name of Oprah Winfrey. She’s helped the world through her donations to charities and scholarship funds. All the barriers Oprah has broken, has shown the world that no matter where you are from, what color you are, what gender you are, or what background you're from, you can be successful in life, the life. In her famous words that still hold true; “Where there is no struggle, there is no strength.”