Oprah Winfrey

Oprah Winfrey is undoubtedly one of the most powerful women in our time. Her talk shows from The Oprah Show to Where Are They Now has given people an opportunity to get an inside on what she does. Oprah's success has influenced many african american women to become strong and independent. Abraham Lincoln once said, "I am a slow walker, but I never walk backwards," (Inspirational Quotes: Achievements). This quote of perseverance could describe her life. Oprah Winfrey's childhood has motivated her to do something amazing with her life and to inspire others. Oprah Gail Winfrey was born on January 29, 1954 in Kosciusko, Mississippi. Soon after Winfrey's birth, her unmarried parents had separated and she was left in the care of her grandmother on the farm. At the age of two and a half Oprah began her lessons in reading. Throughout her childhood Winfrey had lived under the strict guidance of her grandmother. At two years old she had addressed her church congregation about "when Jesus rose on Easter Day." She also had skipped kindergarten, she was then promoted to third grade the following year (Oprah Gail Winfrey). At age six, her world changed for the worse. She was sent to Milwaukee to live with her mother, who had found work as a housemaid (America's Most Beloved Best Friend). There she lived with her mother and half-sister, Patricia, in a boardinghouse. Oprah's mother had little time at home with her children, but when she was able to be there, most of her attention was directed towards Patricia (Katherine Krohn). After a year living with her mother, Oprah had moved back with her father then another year had passed and she moved back in with her mother (Rodney Ohbsion). At nine, Oprah started to experience sexual abuse. Living in Milwaukee, Oprah and her siblings were left with their cousin to watch them, he was nineteen at the time. It was this cousin who sexually abused Oprah for the first time. She was raped, and then taken out for ice cream and was told