Oprah's memories of a childhood scarred by sexual abuse motivated her to initiate a campaign to establish a national database for convicted child abusers in 1991. She testified before a US Senate Judiciary Committee on behalf of a National Child Protection Act. President Clinton passed the "Oprah Bill," in 1993. This database is now available to all law enforcement agencies.
Time Magazine voted Oprah one of the "100 Most Influential People of the 20th Century." In 1998, the National Academy of Television Arts and Science presented her with a "Lifetime Achievement Award." Oprah's Book Club selections became instant bestsellers. For her service to books and authors, she was presented with the National Book Foundation's 50th Anniversary gold medal in 1999.
In 2000, Oprah's "Angel Network," began presenting a "Use Your Life Award," of $100,000. To people who are "using their life to improve the life of others."
In 2003, Forbes Magazine listed Oprah as the first African-American woman to become a billionaire.
Oprah Winfrey was born facing almost insurmountable obstacles. She has overcome them all to give America a lasting legacy. Oprah has walked through the fire. Instead of letting this fire overtake her life, she has become a woman forged in fire. Hats off to Oprah!
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