She is often called the most powerful and influential woman in the world
Oprah Gail Winfrey was born January 29th, 1954 in rural Mississippi.
She was constantly moved around the country to live with various family members
Oprah displayed great intelligence and speaking abilities early on, and these were encouraged by her grandmother and father.
She went on to win a full scholarship to Tennessee State University, where she studied communications.
Winfrey worked at a local radio station and moved to a local Nashville television station
she became the youngest news anchor and the first black female news anchor.
She finally relocated to Illinois and took over hosting duties of AM Chicago.
She quickly signed a syndication deal and on September 8th, 1986, the first country-wide, hour-long Oprah Winfrey Show debuted.
She is considered the most influential African American of her generation, and the most influential American woman in history.