What person in history did you admire most when you were growing up?

For me this is a difficult one because it is a long time since I was a youngster. I was also a product of British colonialism which meant Black people like us were virtually invisible in life. Only a White person did great things and was a hero. There were very few Black role models or inspiring figures to suggest that we too could achieve or excel.

However, it was the emerging Sixties and a few people were beginning to be noticed. If I had to make a difficult choice, it would have to be Oprah Winfrey. At the time she started there was no other Black person advancing the way she has done, apart from Sidney Poitier in Hollywood. 

She showed what was possible with ambition, motivation and drive, especially in the media which is always a powerful source. I loved her programmes and always aspired to be like her. With my column, and nickname (a combination of Cyber and Oprah), I suppose I have achieved that, but I loved the way she dealt with people's problems, her personality and charisma.

She showed the way, she made the impossibly suddenly possible, and, above all, gave us hope for better things in our life. That is most important for self-development and belief

What about your choice? Who made the most impression on you.