She has won numerous awards and recognition from learning institutions, media, and heads of state like Barack Obama. Her revolutionary talk shows gained popularity and after she built enough momentum, she formed her network, the Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN). The owner of the television saw her potential and transferred her to the daytime talk show which became the birth of Oprah Winfrey the mogul. At the age of nineteen, she became a co-anchor at a local television channel. She worked different jobs as a teenager which landed her a job in radio. Oprah moved out of her mother’s house and went to live with her father, Vernon Winfrey, a barber in Tennessee. Unfortunately, her baby was born prematurely and later died.

These boyfriends molested Oprah which led to her pregnancy at the age of fourteen years old. Oprah was raised by a single teenage mother who invited different lovers to her house. Oprah Winfreyīorn into poverty, Oprah Winfrey has surpassed all odds to become one of the most influential women in the world. From Gold Medalist to celebrity and President of the Women’s Sports Foundation, Dawes has proved that women, particularly African American, can achieve whatever they desire. Dominique’s success is an inspiration to everyone. Following her triumph, Dawes became a public figure and appeared in several cereal boxes, music videos, and television shows. Dawes also stole the heart of Americans after she became the first black woman to win an individual gymnastics medal. In the year 1996, Dawes and her team competed and made history after winning a gold medal. After immense training and perfection, Dawes entered the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona and became the first African American woman to compete in the Olympic Games. Coach Kelli Hill saw her potential and decided to train her. She started her gymnastics career at the tender age of six. Written by people who wish to remain anonymousĭawes is one of the exceptional black women featured in the book, Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History. We are thankful for their contributions and encourage you to make your own. These notes were contributed by members of the GradeSaver community.

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