Oprah Winfrey's Milestones
Birth
Oprah Winfrey was born in Kosciusko, Mississippi, to Vernita Lee and Vernon Winfrey.
Raised by grandmother
Raised by her grandmother Hattie Mae Lee in rural poverty.
Moved to Milwaukee
Moved to Milwaukee to live with her mother.
Won oratory contest
Won a state oratory contest, earning a scholarship to Tennessee State University.
Began radio work
Worked at WVOL radio while attending Tennessee State University.
Became TV news anchor
Became the youngest and first Black female news anchor at Nashville's WLAC-TV.
Moved to Baltimore
Moved to Baltimore to co-anchor WJZ-TV's evening news.
Co-hosted 'People Are Talking'
Co-hosted Baltimore's 'People Are Talking' talk show.
Moved to Chicago
Moved to Chicago to host 'AM Chicago,' quickly boosting its ratings.
Acting debut in 'The Color Purple'
Made her film debut in 'The Color Purple,' earning an Academy Award nomination.
Founded Harpo Productions
Founded Harpo Productions, her own media company.
Launched The Oprah Winfrey Show
Hosted 'The Oprah Winfrey Show,' becoming a media icon and addressing social issues.
Philanthropy
Became a major philanthropist, supporting education and empowerment, including founding the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls in South Africa.
Billionaire status
Recognized as the first Black female billionaire.
Launched OWN network
Launched the Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN).
Continued influence
Continues to influence media, business, and culture.