JANUARY 29: TODAY'S INSPIRING WOMEN

ALICE EVANS

Alice Evans was born today in 1881. She was an American scientist whose landmark work on pathogenic bacteria in dairy products was central in gaining acceptance of the pasteurization process to prevent disease.

Geraldine Woods

Geraldine Pittman "Jerri" Woods, an African American science administrator, was born in 1921. She is known for her lifelong dedication to community service and for establishing programs that promote minorities in STEM fields, scientific research, and basic research.

Violette Neatly Anderson

In 1926, Violette Neatly Anderson became the first black woman admitted to practice law before the United States Supreme Court. She was also was the first female African-American law school graduate in the state of Illinois.

Oprah Winfrey was born today in 1954. An African American talk show host, actress, television and film producer, and philanthropist, she is perhaps best known for The Oprah Winfrey Show, the highest-rated TV program of its kind from 1986 to 2011.

Cristina Saralegui

Deeper dive

Watch some footage from the very first episode of the Oprah Winfrey Show (source: OWN Network).