Business Side of Black Beauty: Pageant Winners’ Success Stories

Oprah Winfrey is the most successful African American to ever compete in a pageant.

She won the Miss Black Tennessee pageant in 1972.

She went on to become one of the world’s most successful broadcast journalists.

Best known for her syndicated talk show, “The Oprah Winfrey Show,” Winfrey interviewed presidents, world leaders, other celebrities. She also created her OWN television network.

According to Forbes, Winfrey’s estimated net worth almost $3 billion and she is reportedly the wealthiest African American in the United States.

Her production company, Harpo produces TV shows, Broadway shows, and movies including last year’s “Lee Daniels’ The Butler.“ She’s given millions to various charitable causes. And was recently presented with a Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Obama.