Biography: Oprah Gail Winfrey

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Oprah Winfrey is a household name, not only in America but throughout the world. She has graced Americans’ televisions for the over twenty-five years. Oprah has impacted many lives across the globe, whether it be first hand or through her powerful words of wisdom and encouragement. Many know of Oprah as we see her today; however, they don’t have knowledge of her past and the circumstances that shaped and molded her into the woman that we all know today. Oprah Winfrey did not always have the things she possesses today, but it was the determination and drive that brought her this far.
Oprah Gail Winfrey was born on January 29, 1954 to humble beginnings in Kosciusko, Mississippi. She was born out of wedlock to Vernita Lee and Vernon Winfrey. Oprah lived and was raised on a farm with her grandmother. (Garson) Her grandmother taught her how to read at an early age and she was known to read scriptures and poems in local churches. She was always recognized to be a gifted child ("Oprah Winfrey Biography."). At the age of six, Oprah’s life took a turn for the worse. Oprah went to live with her mother and little sister, Patricia, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. During period of time that Oprah spent with her mother, she was described as being angry and hostile. However, she had every right to feel that way. (Garson) Oprah was repeatedly molested from the ages of nine to thirteen. Her mother worked long hours as a housekeeper and during those times Oprah would be experience sexual abuse from male relatives and other male visitors that came into her home. At the age of thirteen, Oprah even tried to run away. ("Oprah Winfrey Biography.") In 1968, Oprah became pregnant and was sent to Tennessee to live with her father, Vernon Winfrey. Oprah gave bi...

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... go through. However, she persevered through it all and made something of herself. She accomplished her dreams and became the highest paid performer on television. Not only is she the richest self-made woman in America, but she is also the richest African-American of the 20th century.

Works Cited
Allen, Freddie. "President Honors ‘True Champions’ with Medal of Freedom." Insight News. 29 Nov. 2013. Web. 1 Dec. 2013.
CNN Library. "Oprah Winfrey Fast Facts." CNN. Cable News Network, 21 Nov. 2013. Web. 01 Dec. 2013.
Garson, Helen S. Oprah Winfrey: A Biography. 2nd ed. Santa Barbara: Greenwood Biographies, 2011. Print.
Illouz, Eva. Oprah Winfrey and the Glamour of Misery. New York: Columbia UP, 2003. Print.
"Oprah Winfrey Biography." Academy of Achievement. Web. 30 Nov. 2013.
"Oprah Winfrey's Official Biography." Oprah.com. Harpo Inc, 17 May 2011. Web. 01 Dec. 2013.

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