As I have noticed--specifically from the tinkling icicles on my toes--we're still stuck in winter. We're in February, yes, but for some reason my fingers are icy numb and getting out of bed is even more painful (like any of us need that). Maybe some of you have noticed, and if you haven't you have more than half of the world envying you. But besides the freezing coldness everywhere, the hearts and Valentine's, and the fact it's the shortest month, February is also black history month, an FYI for the some of us who didn't know. We've had breakthroughs everywhere, and we're living through one now. Jackie Robinson (first black baseball player), Martin Luther King Jr. (need I say more?), Rosa Parks (who knew refusing to get up could make such a difference), and, of course, Obama. As I've said before, you may not have voted for him, but you've still got to love him. One of his biggest supporters is another famous black accomplisher, Oprah Winfrey.
Oprah didn't meet any fairy godmothers, there was no "poof! Ta-da!" There was hard work. Oprah came from a poor environmental background. Raped at nine and at fourteen, she gave birth to a baby boy who died early. While in school, she was reading in lunch. Her teacher found this so shocking because a willingness to learn from students was completely lacking in that school. The teacher asked her why she was reading. "Because I like to read," she said. This brought on a proceeding effects that would influence her life greatly. Oprah brought on a whole new style of tabloid talk shows. At first criticized for her new techniques, her talk show became a hit. She's now a household name, the highest ranked talk show in the history of television, and an Emmy Award recipient. She was able to launch a new type of communication. She brought on opening up and more intimate side of television. She is arguably the most influential woman in the world.
Once she hit her stardom, she didn't forget where she started. Once you hit big, it's sometimes hard to remember and realize where you came from, your beginnings. During Hurricane Katrina, the Oprah Angel Network raised $11 million dollars to rebuilds homes and help people in need. She has also put 23 black men through college. She has been ranked the richest African American in the 20th century (and once the only black billionaire) and the utmost philanthropic of all time. By Business Week, she has been ranked several times the most philanthropic celebrity and the 32nd most generous philanthropists. She is estimated to have given approximently $303 million(!!!!).
Oprah, MLK Jr., Obama, and so many others have made a difference in black history and world history. Please be sure to take some time to appreciate what these people have done for us and the human race. Happy Valentine's Day everyone!
Want to get a necklace like Oprah's above? Click here.
Rock on,
Ally Day
