Oprah Winfrey: The Most Influential African American Woman On American Culture Essay

Throughout the years, Oprah Winfrey has become a household name. What with her talk show (which is watched by millions everyday internationally), magazine, multiple charities, production company,   and other various programs, Oprah has most definitely made her mark on society. In fact, Oprah Winfrey is the most influential African American woman on American culture. This opinion is shared by many people and organizations. She has made the top of a variety of lists which name her as one of the world's most influential and powerful people. Some of these lists include those by CNN, the American Spectator, Ladies Home Journal, and Time Magazine. Because of her communication style, roles as a philanthropist, and the fact that she fulfilled the American Dream ofbecoming successful from humble beginnings, she has become an inspiration and influence for people all over the world.
Through her lifetime, Oprah has been involved in many different philanthropic endeavors. She has also initiated many of her own projects, all for the sake of making a difference in other people's lives. As Oprah stated on her show, " 'That's really what I try to do in my life- try to reach out and save other people.' " (Lowe 148).   In 1991, Oprah initiated the National Child Protection Act to establish a national database of child abusers, and testified in front of the US Senate Judiciary Committee. Two years later, in 1993, President Bill Clinton signed the Bill (most commonly known as the "Oprah Bill") into the law. Oprah has also started many scholarship programs for students in university. In 1998, Oprah began her very own public charity, Oprah's Angel Network. Her new charity was aimed at encouraging others to help underprivileged others.   To date, Oprah's Angel Network has raised more than $51,000,000 supporting charitable projects and providing grants to nonprofit organizations around the world that share her vision. Yet another endeavour of Oprah's is the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy...