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By Karu F. Daniels, AOL Black Voices
Today, 'Black Enterprise' magazine unveiled its 2007 list of the Top 50 Power Brokers in Hollywood, and topping the list is The Almighty O a.k.a. Oprah Winfrey.
Through her Chicago-based Harpo Productions Inc., the billionaire media mogul produces her top rated daily talk show, along with 'Dr. Phil' and 'The Rachael Ray Show.'
Winfrey, who is the co-founder of Oxygen Media -- which operates a cable television network that reaches 69 million U.S. households -- has also helmed made-for-television movies such as 'Their Eyes Were Watching God,' and 'The Women of Brewster Place.'
As an actress, she starred in 'The Color Purple,' which netted her an Academy Award nomination, 'Native Son' and the Jonathan Demme-directed 1998 spectacle 'Beloved.'
Two-time Academy Award nominee and box-office superstar Will Smith graces the cover of the magazine with his business partner James Lassiter. The 'Fresh Prince of Bel Air' star, co-owner of Hollywood production company Overbrook Entertainment, ranks at number 3.
Time Warner chief Richard D. Parsons is Number 2, and basketball legend turned business tycoon Earvin "Magic" Johnson comes in fourth.
According to spokesperson Andrew Wadium, the groundbreaking black business magazine's news editor Nicole M. Richardson and an editorial team contacted industry insiders, movie studios, and television networks, reviewed box office sales and television ratings reports to compile the list.
Although boldfaced names such as Spike Lee, Queen Latifah,, Ice Cube, Tyler Perry, Forest Whitaker and Tyra Banks made the listing, African American corporate executives, agents, lawyers, and entrepreneurs -- who broker some of the industry's biggest deals -- also made the roster.
The March issue of 'Black Enterprise' is due to arrive on stands Feb. 21.
Comments: (141)
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By: Malcolm King on 2/17/2007 4:08PM
Outstanding. Our brothers and sisters in the movie industry are really making us proud of them. It is absolutely no surprise that Oprahy is No. 1. She is able to appeal to all ethnic, racial, and cultural groups making her a true business person and just plain smart. I am also proud to see some of the rappers that came into the business "Hard" have now diversified their Hollywood portfolios. May they continue great success.
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By: Clem on 2/17/2007 4:47PM
You go Oprah, You are a God sent to this earth, May you always be blessed for all that you do for mankind. The world needs more people like you. Clem at 2:40p.m. Feb.17th 2007
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By: Eldna Foster on 2/17/2007 4:53PM
God bless you Oprah. I was fortunate enough to attend the taping of one of your shows and saw you up close and you are as gracious and I thought you were. I am also very glad to see that positive black males are being recognized for what they do and they do it WELL.
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By: Sherron Amill on 2/18/2007 2:50PM
Oprah is one of God's precious gifts, a true Joel from above, she is a blessing to all and for people to think bigger.
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By: jacqueline celestin fils-aime on 2/17/2007 5:16PM
RaRa pou nou tout ... M'AP VIV
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By: Sylvia Gates on 2/17/2007 5:22PM
As I read the article I thought of the poem, “And Still I rise." (Maya Angelou) In spite of systemic discrimination in Hollywood. ( Not complaining, just stating facts.) The black actors are proving to be as great and in some cases greater than the powers that be. The last to be hired are finally the first in awards and the first in recognition. Ooops, another thought, “The last shall be first, and the first shall be last... that's Matthew 20:16. Congratulations to Ophra, Will, Magic and all in the industry. We are proud of you, as you daily withstand the negative press and hardships . I thank you for your positive image and your moral convictions. Thank you for your part in changing the image projected of our people in the the movie industry. At last there are quality films depicting us as a people, in a positive and truthful light. It is because of all of you. Thank you for sharing your God given gifts with us. A shout out to all the “haters.” Don't you know that you can't stop what God blesses. (The Bible)
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By: sherr on 2/17/2007 5:27PM
thanks to all who make it for me every one. If we could live as one we could beet anything anyone,but some are not prod to be black,I am prod no matter wher you from.LOVE,PICE,JOY to all black my we all come as one.
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By: Andrew Thompson on 2/17/2007 5:33PM
there is nothing to it but to do it, we may get side tracked or have obsticals to get in our way but if we keep our eyes on tht LORD and not on self and not forget about the bridge that brought us over you can make it if you try
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By: Jake on 2/17/2007 5:48PM
Oprah, Will and company are rich and famous due to their popularity with their largely white fans. Liberal Democrat Oprah recently admitted on her show that "ONLY in America" would her success have been possible.
Maybe this isn't such a horrible racist country after you. Maybe the blacks who are being "held back" contributed to their own condition in many cases.
You think?
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By: Betty Greene on 2/17/2007 6:06PM
I am in the process of writing a paper in reference to Socially Constructed Realities (SCR) in the postmodern world. So many of the SCR's created for us (African Americans) by the media and politicians in this country are negative - especially the issues of the rate of black on black crime, high incarceration rates and the miseducation of our youth, it's refreshing to see positive SCR's in the news. Thanks Black Enterprise!
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