[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 32 (Thursday, February 27, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E320-E321]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO OPRAH WINFREY

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                        HON. BENNIE G. THOMPSON

                             of mississippi

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 27, 2003

  Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, in commemoration of Black 
History Month, I would like to take this opportunity to recognize the 
many accomplishments of distinguished African-Americans in 
Mississippi's Second Congressional District.
  Today I rise to pay tribute to Ms. Oprah Winfrey. Ms. Winfrey was 
born in Kosciusko, Mississippi in 1954. Due to her father being in the 
service, Ms. Winfrey was raised by her grandmother.

[[Page E321]]

  Ms. Winfrey began her public career while in college, where she 
became a co-anchor. In the years of 1977-1984 Ms. Winfrey was the co-
host of ``Baltimore is Talking''. In 1984, she took over ABC's ``AM 
Chicago'' where her ratings surpassed the top performer Phil Donahue. 
Ms. Winfrey then became the performer of her own show where she has 
become a role model for many. The Oprah Winfrey Show is different from 
all others because it continues to reinvent itself and continues to 
make a difference in people's lives. In 1986 the show became 
syndicated.
  Ms. Winfrey later founded Harpo which is her own production company. 
Her acclaimed performance in the Color Purple in 1985 earned Ms. 
Winfrey an Academy Award nomination. Ms. Winfrey continues to make 
endeavors that she believes in.

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