If there is one person of tenacity and resilience that has directly and indirectly taught to never give up. One person whose vulnerability and authenticity stands as an inspiration to both young and old, she is Oprah Winfrey.

Baby Oprah was born in 1954, in rural Mississippi to a single mother. Her childhood was not a bed of roses as she faced poverty and sexual abuse but she fought through. Again during the early period of her career as a radio and television journalist, she was fired from a local news anchor job but just like her younger self, she didn't back out rather she used it as a motivation to move forward.

In the long run of building her own empire, she faced racism, discrimination, criticism, addictions, weight issues, challenges as a black woman in the industry yet she worked hard to prove herself worthy and overcame.

She is a talk show host, author, actor, producer, advocate and philanthropist who has huge impact on the society especially amongst the black people.

She uses her personal experience and struggles even when they are embarrassing to inspire people. Her authenticity and vulnerability helps her connect with her audience and build their trust. She is a powerful advocate for education, women's right and racial justice.

Her show, the Oprah Winfrey show which lasted for 25 years had a huge impact on daytime television. One interesting fact about her is despite her affluence and influence, she still shows humility. Her life and personality continues to write a story of determination and perseverance for both young and old to learn from.

She is a black woman that has not allowed her colour, her race, her background to stand as a setback. She is a powerful black woman, a black icon worthy of emulation.