Celebrating Black History Month

Senator Barack Hussein Obama, Illinois Senator and 2008 presidential candidate, proved to be the shining star as we end Black History Month. More than forty years after the Civil Rights Movement, many African-Americans have become famous for their contributions to political and social movements. Obama who has recently declared himself as a 2008 presidential candidate not only shocked the country but has also given much hope for African-American youth.

He was born in Honolulu, Hawaii and is of an upper middle class family. Obama's father, Barack Hussein Obama, was born in a Kenyan village known as Alego located in the Nyanza Province. His white mother, Ann Dunham, was born in Wichita, Kansas. His father attended Harvard University where he earned his Ph.D. then later returned to Kenya. When Obama was 21 years old, his father tragically died in a car accident in Kenya. (The East African, 2004) Obama wrote a memoir titled Dreams from My Father in which he described growing up with his mother's family. His mother died of cancer a few months after his memoir was published. (Obama for President...of Indonesia, 2006)

Oprah Winfrey is another African-American mogul who not only exhibited contributions in America but also in Africa. The Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls in South Africa was one of the many developments which she started back in December 6, 2002 with Nelson Mandela. According to her website, Oprah says, "Education is the way to move mountains, to build bridges, to change the world. Education is the path to the future. I believe that education is indeed freedom. With God's help, these girls will be the future leaders on the path to peace in South Africa and the world." Along with her academy, she has surpassed America's expectations by the following:

-The Oprah Winfrey Show from 1986 to the current date has been a major success. She's covered topics that impacted many different people's lives including teens, women, African Americans, and others in need of help. She has also interviewed celebrities, authors, and politicians who impacted the public.

-Harpo Productions is a production company founded by Oprah Winfrey. It has produced numerous T.V. shows and movies such as Dr. Phil, The Rachael Ray Show, Beloved and Tuesdays with Morrie.

-O, The Oprah Magazine & O at Home are two published magazines by Oprah Winfrey.

-XM Satellite Radio- On February 9, 2006 Oprah signed a $55 million deal for a three year contract. She now has her own radio channel with one of the richest radio corporations.

Oprah Winfrey and Senator Barack Obama have unleashed such promising hope for African-American youth and it is no wonder that we have come to an age where an African-American is running for president next year. Although there may be some skeptics out there, it still holds true. And it tells America that color does not hold a person back. It didn't hold Rosa Parks back and it never held Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s either.