Essay - Outstanding Black Americans Change Racial Viewpoints One of the First...

OUTSTANDING BLACK AMERICANS CHANGE RACIAL VIEWPOINTS

One of the first black spokespersons ever to come into the living rooms ***** millions of white Americans was Oprah Winfrey. Prior to that black ***** excelled in sports. They might have seen Mohammad Ali ***** a boxing match. Black Americans were gaining recognition in politics. Of course, there was the memory ***** Martin Luther King. The flamboyant Jesse Jackson was often on news programs. ***** Winfrey was the one black person who not only gained entry ***** millions of living rooms but also was welcomed warmly. For years ***** Americans gained ***** for their ability in baseball, basketball, football and tennis. But it was Oprah who changed the viewpoints of millions of Americans who identified w*****h the compassionate woman. She ***** only became a household name, but a ***** whom viewers held in high esteem regardless of *****ir race. Her political agenda transcended party lines. She wanted to make a difference ***** black people, and to make this world a better place. She is respected for her ethical ***** moral approach to the issues of today. "Her style reached out and connected with what every woman was thinking because she asked the questions and said the things that they understood." (Mair 78) There weren't a lot ***** black people on Chicago television in 1985, but *****'s show A.M. Chicago ***** a big hit. (***** 80)

On n*****tional TV Oprah ***** an enormous influence. "*****'s impact on everything she does is dynamic, as has been her effect on sales of books she endorses on her show." (Mair 123) ***** pers*****ally introduced such writers as Mari*****ne Williamson, and Dr. Deepak Chopra to the American people. Their book sales soared after appearing on her show. (Mair 124) In 1987 ***** took a bold step *****nd brought ***** show to "********** County, Georgia, from which blacks had been banned since 1912." (Mair 125) This w***** ***** ***** of many shows through ***** Oprah felt she made people rethink their racial prejudices. Now ***** has extended her voice through the pages of ***** ***** Magazine.

***** the beginning ***** her career "Oprah came across as genuine and warm." ((Mair 41) Her first talk show experience was as a cohost on a local show called People Are Talking. "Oprah blossomed because the show's format allowed her to freewheel ***** guests and the studio audience." (Mair 48) This ***** the beginning of a career that would take her to *****, and then into the nati*****al limelight. She ***** ***** o*****rs with her including introducing Maya Angelou to a wider audience. In 1993 Maya ***** recited ***** poem "On the Pulse ***** Morning," at the inauguration of President Bill Clinton. (King 42) It was an amazing feat for a wom***** who ***** grown up so poor her mo*****r sent ***** to live with her grandmother, while she worked in the city. Her success started young. "Maya, who had always been a good student, was given a scholarship ***** attend the California