Oprah Winfrey

The star who grew up in poverty in New Orleans and struck it rich with his straight-talking, advice-pushing, grandmotherly character Madea. In 1992, the unemployed, basically homeless Perry was inspired while watching the Oprah Winfrey show.

Why did the Ginsbergs agree to talk about their faith with Oprah?

February, besides being the shortest month of the year also happens to be Black History Month. A month where past achievements by blacks are recognized. Really? Why just this month? Are these achievements less important, less spectacular, or have less impact if recognized all year-long? The Civil Rights movement fought against segregation for decades and now we're encouraging a part of history to be segregated? If you have children, it is always a good time to tell them about Rosa Parks, Martin Luther King, and Langston Hughes. Not because they were black but because they were great. History books in schools should also follow that maxim, reminding students that great history is colourless. Although not impossible, I'm not sure how Black History Month can continue to evolve. I always clutch my pearls when I read or hear Oprah Winfrey being described in various media platforms as 'a black T.V. host' or when art is described as 'black art.' And, even if Barack Obama is black and also happens to be President of the United States of America, referring to him as a black president is retro. And not in a good way. Everything about how we live today encourages the breakdown of all barriers. Sticking the colour of their skin to successful people is simply foolish. And that's exactly what Black History Month does.I understand why Black History Month was first introduced and I applaud those who have made it the powerhouse it is today. Many large corporations have made it an important staple in their fiscal calendars, which is admirable. Still, I think it's time to rethink BHM. I look forward to the day when all great achievements will be celebrated all year long and when history will be measured by its impact, not by its colour. player=viral&end=0' /> Watch End Black History Month? on PBS. See more from Independent Lens.

NBC has announced that Maya Rudolph will host 'Saturday Night Live' in on February 18, 2012. Supporting her as a musical act will be the Brooklyn based band Sleigh Bells.Rudolph, who is one of the stars of the Oscar-nominated 'Bridesmaids' and currently appears on the NBC sitcom 'Up All Night,' was an 'SNL' cast member herself from 2000 to 2007. This will be her first time hosting, although she has appeared on the show several times since leaving.On 'SNL,' Rudolph was known for a wide variety of characters, including the co-host of 'Bronx Beat' and her animated impersonation of Oprah Winfrey. Notably, she is the only actor to have played Michelle Obama on 'SNL,' in a 2008 guest appearance prior to Obama's election. It's a good bet that Rudolph will play the First Lady again when hosting. Watch her first appearance here.Rudolph joins Jimmy Fallon and Ben Stiller as former 'SNL' players who have returned to host the show this season, the 37th for the program. (Stiller was a featured cast member for five episodes in 1989.)Sleigh Bells, a darling of the indie music establishment, will release their second album 'Reign of Terror' on February 21. This 'SNL' appearance will be their network TV debut.This weekend, on February 11, Zooey Deschanel will host the show, with musical guest Karmin. Jonah Hill will host the show on March 10.Also on HuffPost: