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Interact with Shakeeta Winfrey
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Online Status:
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Last On: Oct 6, 2009 - 9:05 AM
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Profile Views:
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497
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Member Since:
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October 6, 2009
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Location:
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Atlanta, GA
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ShoutLife Address:
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shoutlife.com/theotherwinfrey
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Website:
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www.shakeetawinfrey.com
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Genre:
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Biography/Autobiography
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Primary Publishers:
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Winfrey Inc
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Bible, The Secret, The Other Winfrey, Release
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The Other Winfrey (2007)
The institute of family is defined as the oldest societal entity, generally consisting of blood relatives such as parents and their children. In the American tradition, the extended family can be defined as the relatives of an individual, both by blood and by marriage, other than its immediate family, such as aunts, uncles, grandparents and cousins. However, African Americans know that the definition of extended family is actually inclusive of their definition of family. Helming from a rich heritage wherein families had to stick together, there has been no regard for a differentiation between family and extended family. Many times, aunts and uncles have had to step in as mothers and fathers; grandparents have become parents; and cousins have become sisters and brothers. The ties that bind are priceless, yet they can be as sharp as a two-edged sword, causing just as much joy as pain.
Such is the case in the life of Shakeeta Winfrey, which is candidly chronicled in her autobiography, The Other Winfrey: Life in the Shadow of O. Born to a single mother who was dually diagnosed with schizophrenia and borderline personality, she immediately was taken into the loving arms and home of her grandparents, James and Millie Winfrey. Devout Christians, the Winfreys provided Shakeeta with everything that a two-parent household could offer a child: a safe environment, a roof over her head, food and clothing, but most importantly love. Yet, there was still something missing.
The pain of being raised by one's grandparents was ever present, although greatly appreciated. Shakeeta longed for the mother-daughter relationships that she had to sit by and helplessly and hopelessly watch as her friends enjoyed them with their own mothers. Although she knew who her mother was, her mother's mental disability prevented her from really knowing her intimately. She wondered what it would be like if she would have had her own mother with her during her upbringing.
To add to this feeling of emptiness, Shakeeta struggled with the pain of never knowing who her father was. Her mother's illness created a puzzle that is still left unsolved. In fact, Shakeeta's grandmother didn't even realize Pat (Shakeeta's mother) was pregnant with her. Just the day before Shakeeta was born, her mother was outside riding a bike and playing basketball. Grandma Millie had some speculation of who the father might be, but there were never any confirmations. Before Grandpa James passed away, Shakeeta remembers that he always encouraged her to make an attempt to find her father.
Shakeeta's parental challenges were only one part of her dilemma. As she grew older, she found that the name "Winfrey" itself would serve dually as a curse and a blessing. Because of the fame of Oprah Winfrey, Shakeeta's cousin (her grandfather and Oprah's father are first cousins), Shakeeta found herself being perceived to be just as rich as Oprah. She became a magnet for people to befriend her with subliminal intentions. Because of the void in her life with her family, Shakeeta longed for the extra attention the Winfrey name gave her.
However, the attention, coupled with her own inner struggles, became more of a problem than a privilege. In The Other Winfrey, Shakeeta shares her journey of life, disclosing personal family issues such as crime, drugs, incest and infighting. Shakeeta's journey has taken her on a path that included promiscuity, stripping, and failed marriages. An emphasis is placed on the enormous pain, guilt, sorrow and regret plagued by the entire family, especially her. A key part of her pain lies within the fact that she so longed to get just a glimpse of the mighty woman who is her cousin. Yet, it never happened.
Travel with Shakeeta as she takes you on a journey of what it is like to live "in the shadow of O"
Buy The Other Winfrey Online
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A familiar adage says, "As long as there is life, there is hope." If this saying is true, then the abundance of life and vitality within Shakeeta Winfrey is an excellent indication that her future is resplendent of a beautiful horizon full of hope. A native of Nashville, Tennessee, Shakeeta Winfrey now makes her home in the metropolitan Atlanta community. She is graciously utilizing her life's journey as a testimony to women who are seeking to overcome the obstacles that may be hindering their success. As such, her journey is chronicled in her previously released book, The Other Winfrey, wherein she candidly shares her story of what it is to live in the shadow of one of the world's most admired celebrities, her cousin Oprah Winfrey. She also continues her story in her soon to-be released book, Release.
Today, Shakeeta has emerged into a successful executive, but she freely imparts that the road to her current destination has not been an easy one. Although raised by two loving and nurturing grandparents, her life has brought her face to face with a number of risqué escapades. She has had to face the trials and tribulations that come with not having a good relationship with one's biological parents, as well as the ills of exotic dancing, alcohol and drug usage, unhealthy marriage, among others. Through it all, Shakeeta did not allow her circumstances to dictate her destiny. Upon being honorably discharged from the United States Army, she admirably managed to earn an undergraduate degree from Tennessee State University, took advanced courses at Meharry Medical College, completed her Master's degree from Warren National University/Kennedy Western University, and has earned her Doctor of Science Degree in Health Administration.
Shakeeta's message is a true testament of courage and tenacity. She is living proof that no goal is unobtainable, no mountain is unclimbable and no dream is intangible. She purposely lives to breathe hope and inspiration into others. Shakeeta is the proud mother of three beautiful children: Kelando, 15; Germell, 13 and Jada, 4.
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