My three contemporary icons are Bill Cosby, Oprah Winfrey and Michael Jackson.

Bill Cosby.

Who is Bill Cosby? Bill Cosby is an American comedian, actor, author, television producer, educator, musician, and activist. I chose Bill Cosby because of the good advice he gives to both black and white kids of this nation, especially to the black people. Mr. Cosby’s dissertation discussed the use of Cosby Kids TV show as a teaching tool in elementary schools. He is also a role model to blacks. Most black kids who think and have the mentality they can never make it in life because of the color of their skin. This icon means a  lot to me in so many ways, but what touched me the most are his speeches about education that urge black child to go to school and get an education that would lead them to higher achievement and a better life.

 Oprah Gail Winfrey.

Who is Oprah Winfrey?  Oprah Winfrey is an American media proprietor, talk show host, actress, producer, and philanthropist. I chose Oprah Winfrey because of her good work done not only in America but around the world. The so-called Queen of all media the greatest black woman philanthropist in American history, In fact, she is one of the most influential women in the world. And as a black woman, that means a lot. My most memorable moment of Oprah Winfrey was when she was awarded the President Medal of Freedom by the president Barack Obama. She is an inspiration to many women, black or white, putting smiles on their faces when all hopes seem to be gone. Her generosity is immense as evidenced in her investments in girl’s education, especially in Africa. That mission of empowerment is based on the thinking that when you educate the man you educate individual but when you educate a woman, you have educated a nation as a whole.

Michael Jackson.

Michael Jackson was an American singer, songwriter, actor, dancer, businessman and philanthropist. I chose Michael Jackson because of his great contribution to music, dance and fashion as a whole, but especially to black culture in particular. He will remain a powerful global figure in popular culture forever. The King of Pop as he was called, Michael was known with his music since he was a child. He sang and danced into the hearts of American and the world with his brothers. Looking back to the early 1980 he became a dominant figure in popular music and helped continue to break down racial barriers in entertainment. This icon means a lot to me because of the way his music and dance took a lot of kids out of the street to put their life in to good use through music. Many artists today owe their entry in music to Michael for he was a role model to them. It was a sad day and a shock to many in the world when the news came he was dead. Even after his death he is still the King of Pop. His legacy in Pop Music will endure forever.