· Oprah Gail Winfrey was born in Kosciusko, Mississippi  on January 29, 1954 to teenage parents.

· For the first six years of her life she lived with her grandmother. Being a part of her grandmothers’ life was probably the best thing that could have happened to Oprah.  She learned the skills needed to succeed in the professional world as well as her own life.

· Oprah returned to her mother’s home where she was molested on more than one occasion by more than one person.  As a result of the rapes she rebelled and became pregnant. The baby died at birth.  This event changed Oprah’s outlook on life.  Oprah moved in with her father and he helped Oprah change her life around.

· At the age of 19 Oprah began a broadcasting career at a local station in Nashville, while still in high school.  Her first achievement; being the first and youngest African American women to broadcast.  She then moved to Baltimore to become the co-anchor of the Six O’clock News and later became the host of People are Talking.

 

By: Julianna Obie & Aakylla Fields

Oprah Winfrey