Oprah Winfrey: Agent Of Change #6

Agent of Change #6 : Oprah Winfrey

American television host, actress, producer and philanthropist Oprah Gail Winfrey was born on January 29, 1954, in Kosciusko, Mississippi. After a troubled adolescence in a small farming community, where she was sexually abused by a number of male relatives and friends of her mother, Vernita, she moved to Nashville to live with her father, Vernon, a barber and businessman. She entered Tennessee State University in 1971 and began working in radio and television broadcasting in Nashville. In 1976, Winfrey moved to Baltimore, where she hosted a hit TV chat show, People Are Talking, after which she was recruited by a Chicago TV station to host her own morning show. Later, she went on to pursue her two-and-a-half decade stint as host of her own, wildly popular program: The Oprah Winfrey Show.

According to Forbes magazine, Oprah was the richest African American of the 20th century and the world’s only Black billionaire for three years running. Life magazine hailed her as the most influential woman of her generation. In 2005, Business Week named her the greatest Black philanthropist in American history. Oprah’s Angel Network has raised more than $51,000,000 for charitable programs, including girls’ education in South Africa and relief to the victims of Hurricane Katrina.

Winfrey is a dedicated activist for children’s rights; in 1994, President Clinton signed a bill into law that Winfrey had proposed to Congress, creating a nationwide database of convicted child abusers. She founded the Family for Better Lives foundation and also contributes to her alma mater, Tennessee State University.

Oprah has over come many barriers in her life time, and has successful made it to the top, and she still has the biggest heart ever. She has been able to touch the lives of millions of people, she is an agent of change on a big scale, but its not about how many, its about what you do.

To learn more about Oprah check out the

http://www.biography.com/people/oprah-winfrey-9534419?page=1

Check out some of her charity work

http://owla.co.za/

http://www.oprah.com/index.html

http://www.wwo.org/

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Michael Jordan: Agent Of Change #5

Micheal Jordan : Agent of Change #5

American basketball star Michael Jordan was born on February 17, 1963, in Brooklyn, New York. He tried out for the varsity basketball team during his sophomore year, but at 5’11” (1.80 m), he was told that hes too short to play .Wanting to prove that he could play he tried out again, and then became the star of Laney’s junior varsity squad, and tallied several 40-point games. The following summer, he grew four inches (10cm) and trained rigorously and became a MVP of the squad, Jordan averaged about 20 points per game over his final two seasons of high school play. In 1981, Jordan earned a basketball scholarship to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, But Jordan left college after his junior year to join the NBA. Drafted by the Chicago Bulls, he helped the team make it to the playoffs. For his efforts there, Jordan received the NBA Rookie of the Year Award. With five regular-season MVPs and three All-Star MVPs, Jordan became the most decorated player in the NBA .

He has been involved with numerous charities, including the Boys and Girls Clubs of America, UNCF/College Fund, Special Olympics, Make- A – Wish Grant and a variety of charitable organizations that support children and families. Michael Jordan also hosts the Michael Jordan Charity International Golf Tournament.
In 1994 Michael Jordan founded the James R. Jordan Boys and Girls Club and Family Life Center, named after his father. The Center, in Chicago, Illinois, opened to the public after receiving a $5 million donation from the Chicago Bulls and a $ 2 million personal donation from Jordan. Every week more than 1,000 people come to the center, from senior citizens to teenagers to toddlers and infants. Some visitors do homework; others play pool, play basketball, or just enjoy relaxing in a safe environment.
The James R. Jordan Foundation (JRJF) was established in 2000 by Micheal Jordan’s Mom, Mrs. Deloris Jordan ( In honor of Micheal Jordan’s late father) . JRFJ is dedicated to strengthening families, motivating youth and ensuring high quality academic opportunities for children in underserved communities. (The James R. Jordan Foundation Vision for Families – our series of family programs – is guided by the belief that a strong family plays a major role in a child’s academic success, and that education provides a path out of poverty.)
Micheal Jordan’s endless support for community and his determination to reach his goal, is a perfect example of an agent of change. Never give up and follow ur dreams, everyone can make a differences… just pick up a basketball and play with someone who has nobody to play with… it will make a difference

To learn more about Micheal Jordan check out his Bio:
http://www.biography.com/people/michael-jordan-9358066

Check out other websites that Micheal Jordan is connected to:

http://www.jamesjordanfoundation.com

http://www.mjcigolf.com

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