mahalia jackson and russell roberts relationship

But most of the stuff I was singing live, like 80 percent of the music. She was an actress, known for Mississippi Burning (1988), Glory Road (2006) and An American Crime (2007). Subscribe to Deadline Breaking News Alerts and keep your inbox happy. May God bless you and your family in the days ahead and may you look to the Lord Jesus for comfort in your hours of grief. Robin Roberts Presents: Mahalia (Music From The Motion. Mahalia Jackson had several pianists on her team, but Mildred Falls was the lead pianist for over 20 years. I still remember some of the sermons your father preached even though it may have looked like I was not paying much attention. For doing what Martin Luther King did with Mahalia was when she said, Tell them about the dream, Martin. He did that, and it truly changed the culture. "Robin Roberts Presents: Mahalia" (2021) Danielle Brooks, of "Orange Is the New Black" and Broadway's "The Color Purple," makes a striking turn as gospel legend Mahalia Jackson in this. For 23 years he served as President of the John T. Hatfield Camp near Greenfield. And thats what Im able to do under the Robin Roberts presents banner. Mahalias parents and grandparents died when she was little. Gospel performer and singer who had a powerful and expressive contralto voice. Roberts signed a four-movie deal with Lifetime back in 2019 to produce scripted and documentary projects, which will all fall under the Robin Roberts Presents banner. Think again! Ive been nominated for Emmys. You half got it." How did the events of this past year impact the importance of the production? That really was the foundation for me. In the movie, Dirden stars as Russell Roberts, the dashing, music-loving Reverend who falls for Mahalia when they first meet in the late 1940s while Kalukango takes on the role of Mildred, Mahalia's talented and opinionated, long-time pianist. Mahalia Jackson, daughter of Johnny Jackson and Charity Clark, was born in New Orleans in 1911. At the time I was super inspired by Chadwick Boseman as he played Jackie Robinson and James Brown. And so thats when the research began for me with Mahalia in 2016. And having the ushers and the general experience that you get being there. Russell L. Roberts. Like I'm saying "children" instead of "chirren" and those little things, I had to really focus on just letting the words flow out of my mouth and really singing from the heart and really reminiscing on the pain. Why did Mahalia Jackson get a hysterectomy? Larry G. Truitt, 4 files added to the album Photos from Joni Trees, Margie, Gary and Theresa, How could we ever find the words to tell you what your Dad and Mom have meant to us? I've been producing a few things here and there, but this was the first time I was given a true seat at the table. He was in full-time ministry as pastor, evangelist, and singer for 54 years. This video is unavailable because we were unable to load a message from our sponsors. And that was before reading any script, having any director, having any company to partner with. eventAction: 'render' The correct answer is Dorothy Height was the only woman, besides Coretta Scott King, on the platform with Rev. The great gospel singers were a combination evangelist, preacher and entertainerthat light always shone on Mahalia's face, even in her painful later years." (Jackson was plagued by health . He's also hoping that watching the film will encourage more curiosity about Jackson. It makes it so worth waking up and doing this and being away from my family and being in another country for nine months alone and working on myself. But also I don't want to discredit myself, because you went to school girl, you have the toolbox to back it up. It was much easier for me to use all of the gifts that I have vocally through Mahalia Jackson versus Danielle Brooks. And luckily, a few years later, I get the call from Kenny Leon, after working with him in Much Ado About Nothing in the park, and playing his leading lady over there. TimesMojo is a social question-and-answer website where you can get all the answers to your questions. Brooks recalled how two of her castmates from the Broadway production of The Color Purple piqued her interest in playing Mahalia Jackson. She said to me, one day in my dress room, Thank you, Danielle. By subscribing, I agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. I just love him so much, he's such an actor's director. Jason Dirden plays music-loving Reverend Russell Roberts in the biopic Robin Roberts Presents: Mahalia. Her pianist suffers arthritis in her hands and puts them in boiling water before a concert. So, Im doing the whole rundown and thinking, how can we make this, the coolest movie to ever land on Lifetime? I appreciate the fact that Martin listened to a Black woman. What song did Mahalia Jackson sing at Martin Luther Kings funeral? Ive never worked with an actress so clear, so beautiful, so funny. Robin Roberts knows she's been a part of a lot of amazing projects throughout her career. Mahalia Jackson was born on October 26, 1911, in New Orleans, Louisiana. A black-and-white photograph of Mahalia Jackson standing with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and an unidentified man. Cake Boss Buddy Valastro shares his fun, beautiful + delish giant cinnamon roll cake topped with the classic white icing. And for a Christian woman at that time, that was a big deal. The actor talks about "Robin Roberts . We have so many memories we could share but one of our fondest is hearing your Dad preach about heaven. Is Danielle Brooks really singing in Mahalia? ga('ads.send', { } So I would get home at 11 o'clock and then wake up at 4 a.m. to go over the lines for that day. Thanks to a passing comment from fellow "The Color Purple" Broadway star Jennifer Hudson, a seed was planted for Danielle Brooks to play Mahalia Jackson. But Robin Roberts Presents: Mahalia takes her back to her roots to play the legendary gospel singer and activist Mahalia Jackson. Reverend Russell Roberts (Jason Dirden) came into Mahalia's life as a fan, but their relationship elevated much to the vexation of her piano player and bestie Mildred (Joaquina Kalukango). "[For years], we had the script in place working on it, tweaking it," says Robin, "but in the back of my mind, I'm thinking, 'Who's going to play Mahalia Jackson?'". I didnt know how the story was going to get told, where the story was going to get told but I had to trust that what was told to me in my spirit. But church was the foundation for me to gain my confidence as a singer. DEADLINE: You were saying it was important to you as a child to see yourself in that poster of Mahalia Jackson. }) Mahalia Jackson was born on October 26, 1911 in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA. Joaquina has also appeared in several Broadway productions such as 'The Color Purple', 'Holler If You Hear Me' and 'Godspell'. King is to the right, wearing a dark-colored suit and tie. Some Answers to Your Questions. I even think about how its crazy that Ella Fitzgerald has yet to have her story told. So, I had gotten the script and we had made a few adjustments and changes to different scenes here and there. Robin Roberts Presents: Mahalia" premieres at 8 p.m. on Lifetime tomorrow, Saturday, April 3, which also marks the 53rd anniversary of Martin Luther King, Jr.'s assassination. Burial will follow in Glen Cove Cemetery with military honors conducted by contingents from the U.S. Navy and the American Legion and V.F.W. RuPaul On Working With Ariana Grande During Season 15 of "RuPaul's Drag Race", Robin Roberts on Casting Danielle Brooks as the Legendary "Queen of Gospel" Mahalia Jackson. CHICAGO, Jan. 31 (AP)The estate of Mahelia Jackson, the gospel singer who died Thursday at the age of 60, has been estimated at $1million. Why Do Cross Country Runners Have Skinny Legs? Then I would get in the van at six or seven to go to work and have a full day. 2023 KWP Studios, Inc. and CBS Interactive Inc., Paramount companies. To learn how to speak in public, when youre having to stand up in front of everyone and say the Scripture. Russell Roberts. But she has such an influential presence in Mahalia Jacksons life and in her career. "Mahalia" barely touches on Jackson's relationship to other famous jazz, blues and gospel singers, including Aretha Franklin, who met Jackson when she was a child. This article draws primarily from the Mahalia Jackson papers of the William Russell Jazz Collection housed at the Williams Research Center of The Historic New Orleans Collection. I didnt think too hard about it but then when Jennifer Holliday came and stepped into her same shoe (Jennifer Holliday took over Jennifer Hudsons role in The Color Purple revival), she said the same thing.Before playing Jackson, Brooks' was best known for her role as Tasha 'Taystee' Jefferson in 'Orange Is the New Black' and the voice of Officer Pearle Watson on the animated series 'Close Enough'. ", The crossover between the 50s and 60s to today is so parallel and in such a scary way," Danielle Brooks tells 'Newsweek' about her performance as Mahalia Jackson in Lifetimes Robin Roberts Presents: Mahalia. Franklin's mother died of. What were you feeling doing those scenes? I told y'all! What happened to Mahalia Jackson fortune? Through the lens of Mahalia Jackson, we get to tell a story that connects to all of us.. The 30-year-old actress will star in the biopic Robin Roberts: Presents . Where to See 2021's Most Anticipated New Art, Kick 'Zoom Fatigue' to the Curb by Making Virtual Meetings More Personal. "Robin Roberts Presents: Mahalia" premieres Saturday, April 3, on Lifetime, which is owned by the same parent company as . He's so generous with making sure that everybody's voices are being heard. "I appreciate the fact that Martin listened to a Black woman," Brooks says. Who is she? The Lifetime biopic also touches on Mahalia Jacksons health battle with fibroids and sarcoidosis that led to a hysterectomy, which prevented the singer from bearing children. At that moment, everything changed. During the presser, I asked about Mildred's disapproval of this man that seemed to be completely enamored with Mahalia. Russell L. Roberts, Margie, LJ, and Family, We were so sorry to hear of the loss of your father. Your Mom and Dad changed the course of my life. The story of the New Orleans-born crooner who began singing at an early age and went on to become one of the most revered gospel figures in U.S. history, melding her music with the civil rights movement. First, trust yourself and then trust people like Kenny and [producer] Robin Roberts; they say you are the person, you can do this. How do you prepare to play such an iconic figure? },false) The film, which airs April 3, on the date before Dr. King was killed in Memphis in 1968, also explores Jackson's connection and influence on Dr. King (played by Atlanta theatre actor Rob Demery . After her breakout role in Orange is the New Black, Brooks combined her passions for acting and singing in The Color Purple on Broadway. I want a Tony award. reporters on a platform technologically tailored to meet the needs of the modern reader. }); And thats what I felt through those two people who happened to be Jennifer Hudson and Jennifer Holliday, who had mentioned her name associated with my voice. "This is the first time that we've worked together. Her mother was Charity Clark while her father was Johnny Jackson. Rachael Ray is a trademark owned by Ray Marks Co. LLC. This black woman in the 30s and 40s and beyond was doing The Ed Sullivan Show. We didn't know him but we do know that he raised a wonderful, loving, and caring daughter. Mahalia fired Mildred and the two never spoke again. The coolest biopic to ever land or Lifetime. Robin Roberts Presents: Mahalia artfully portrays Jackson and King's closeness, something Brooks believed was rooted in their needing of each other to "survive." "They both were married to. I was like, "Call your mama, play for your mama." There were definitely moments where I'm like, she was called the Queen of Gospel music, she influenced Aretha Franklin, who in turn has influenced people like Jennifer Hudson and on and on. I think for me, I've just always been enamored and interested in the relationship between Martin and Mahalia because I feel like it gets ignored a lot. Growing up as the daughter of a deacon and a minister, church and gospel music has had a major influence on Danielle Brooks. I trust the Holy Spirit will bring peace and comfort to each of you during this time of sorrow and loss. I wasnt until 2016. "I'm proud to have come from a show that knows what we do really does go beyond the paycheck and beyond getting to buy your mama a house. window.googletag.pubads().addEventListener('slotRenderEnded', function(event) { DEADLINE: And your singing in the movie was absolutely incredible. She sang at the March on Washington at the request of her friend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in 1963, performing "I Been 'Buked and I Been Scorned.". American gospel singer Mahalia Jackson performs live on stage at the Newport Jazz Festival in Newport, Rhode Island on 10th July 1970. if(document.querySelector("#ads")){ So how does it feel to bring that representation to a new generation, in image, personality, and voice, for young people who may not have even known who Mahalia Jackson was? DEADLINE: Growing up in the church, how experienced were you with singing gospel music? Our Love & Prayers, Randy & Linda Freeman. Here are the items you should and shouldn't buy in bulk. eventAction: 'view' The course of history completely has changed because of that one decision to say, you know what, I'm going to listen to Mahalia. Mahalia's friendship with Dr. King and her callout at the 1963 March is said to have inspired Dr. King's "I Have a Dream Speech". Hockenhull got married to Mahalia Jackson in 1936 in Chicago, Illinois. 'Robin Roberts Presents: Mahalia Jackson' will premiere on Saturday, April 3, at 8 pm ET/PT on Lifetime. We often wonder if there are Gibson guitars up there. It means a lot to me to get to have sung all of her songs and to embody her through this kind of music. One of the biggest speeches that we reference today, and part of that is because of her. If you have more information about this object, please contact us at [email protected], Get the latest information about timed passes and tips for planning your visit, Search the collection and explore our exhibitions, centers, and digital initiatives, Online resources for educators, students, and families, Engage with us and support the Museum from wherever you are, Find our upcoming and past public and educational programs, Learn more about the Museum and view recent news, There are restrictions for re-using this image. Visit the IIIF page to learn more. Courtesy of Lifetime Jason Dirden plays music-loving Reverend Russell Roberts in the biopic Robin Roberts Presents: Mahalia. (l-r) Joaquina Kalukango, Jason Dirden, Olivia Washington, and Rob Demery (courtesy of Lifetime). We had two different spaces, like the studio space thats really intimate and then we had this grand open space that kind of felt like being in a smaller church. hitType: 'event', And that's in no small part thanks to the actress playing the woman who actually prompted Martin Luther King, Jr. to give his "I Have a Dream" speech on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial the one and only Danielle Brooks. Once signed up for AT&T TV, you can watch Mahalia live on the AT&T TV app, which is available on your Roku, Roku TV, Amazon Fire TV or Firestick, Apple TV, Chromecast, Samsung . All rights reserved. Gospel singer Mahalia Jackson and dancer, bandleader and disk jockey Willie Bryant known as the 'Mayor of Harlem' and possibly his old dance partner. About Mahalia Jackson. I am thankful for the many years your mom and dad where in charge of the John T. Hatfield Camp-- they were a blessing to many people. Youve got to find that part. This month, her story finally came to the screen in Lifetime's new film Mahalia, produced by Robin Roberts. Joaquina Kalukango plays Mildred, Mahalias talented long-time pianist. But when it came to singing her songs, I had to really break out of the perfectionism that I have of wanting every word to be articulated so clearly. I dont think I will ever forget your father singing the song, How Far Is Heaven with Theresa when she was little. Was this a role you were searching for? But when you are coming out of the world where you have the Tuskegee Syphilis Experiment that happened where theyre killing all of these black people through the medical science experiment, I tried to truly imagine when she mightve felt like to not have that much agency over her body. Kezia Williams, the CEO of the Black upStart who teaches Black entrepreneurs how to create successful small businesses, shares ways to save money on gas. },false) [1] He was married to gospel singer Mahalia Jackson from 1964 [2] to 1967. Leon says he's also proud of the fact that Mahalia is airing Easter weekend as well as one day before Martin Luther King Jr. died. Broadway stars Jason Dirden, Olivia Washington, Rob Demery, and Tony nominee Joaquina Kalukango co-star opposite Brooks. A viewer reached out to ask Rach how to make moist, tender meatloafand she shares her tips. The other stars of the film include Benjamin Charles Watson, director Kenny Leon who acts in the film as well, and Rob Demery. And you said it very right, Its very justified. I have a great nanny, but she can't work 24/7. AT&T TV Free Trial. The Chicago Tribute marker in front of her home at 8358 South Indiana Avenue tells us as much. The upcoming biopic " Robin Roberts Presents: Mahalia Jackson" the first project produced under a partnership between "Good Morning America" anchor Robin Roberts and Lifetime, which was. I can pretty much sing, or name any gospel song or know most hymns. I actually sent Todd [Kreidler] a bit of dialogue, which ended up becoming that monologue that I say to Russell in the hospital. Rev. As both the star and co-executive producer, Brooks made it her goal to tell the story of everything Mahalia overcame in her life to become the legend that had inspired Brooks as a child. I was walking in South Carolinait was the start of the pandemic, and I had ended up staying at my mom's house to make sure baby girl was okayand [Kenny Leon, the director] calls me and he's like, "I want you to play this. Jason Dirden is probably best known for his role as the pastor with a devious side, Basie Skanks, on OWN's 'Greenleaf'. The funeral for Jackson was like few New Orleans has seen. The crossover between the '50s and '60s to today is so parallel and in such a scary way. Ill continue to take roles like Orange [is the New Black]. Again, I just applaud Lifetime and Robin Roberts for staying fast at telling the story so that Mahalias light doesnt get dimmed. I did learn about her in church when I was a little girl. eventAction: 'click_ads' The Lifetime biopic marks the first project produced under the partnership between 'Good Morning America' anchor Robin Roberts and Lifetime. And one of the things that I had discovered was she had a hysterectomy and she had a huge desire to be a mother. Her recording of the song Move on Up a Little Higher sold millions of copies, skyrocketing her to international fame and gave her the opportunity to perform at diverse settings including in front of a racially integrated audience at the prestigious Carnegie Hall and at John F. Kennedys inaugural ball. Russell L. Roberts. Lifetime's highly anticipated gospel biopic "Robin Roberts Presents: Mahalia" is all set to release on Saturday, April 3 at 8:00 pm ET/PT on Lifetime.Danielle Brooks, Joaquina Kalukango, Jason Dirden, Olivia Washington and Rob Demery are main cast of Robin Roberts Presents: Mahalia. As soon as director Kenny Leon came on board, though, he had the answer: Danielle. The time they must be having right now! She died from complications after a surgery to remove a bowel obstruction. Minutes before her friend Martin Luther King Jr. announced "I have a dream" to cap the March on Washington DC on 28 August 1963, Sister. Jackson was a close family friend of King and his wife, and . He always jokes that it took a prayer. I had this huge fear of being judged vocally as a singer, and I just continuously try to push through that. Ve worked together in Mahalia Jacksons life and in such a scary way much... ] to 1967 and Privacy Policy her tips honors conducted by contingents from the Broadway production of music! This is the New Black ] rundown and thinking, how can we make this the... Several pianists on her team, but she has such an iconic figure play such an iconic figure a. Be a mother by subscribing, I had this huge fear of being judged vocally as singer. Scenes here and there like 80 percent of the gifts that I had discovered was had... Coolest movie to ever land on Lifetime as much cinnamon roll cake topped with classic! He did that, and singer who had a huge desire to be a mother few adjustments and changes different! A little girl 1936 in Chicago, Illinois timesmojo is a trademark owned by Marks! Fast at telling the story so that Mahalias light doesnt get dimmed stand. I was super inspired by Chadwick Boseman as he played Jackie Robinson and James Brown Falls... Foundation for me to use all of the music video is unavailable because we were unable to load a from! By Ray Marks Co. LLC the modern reader in that poster of Mahalia Jackson will! Will follow in Glen Cove Cemetery with military honors conducted by contingents from the Motion, Jason Dirden, Washington... Rachael Ray is a social question-and-answer website where you can get all the answers your! Roll cake topped with the classic white icing l-r ) joaquina Kalukango, Jason Dirden, Olivia Washington, caring. Say the Scripture modern reader, so beautiful, so funny partner with his wife, and singer for years! Dream, Martin.addEventListener ( 'slotRenderEnded mahalia jackson and russell roberts relationship, function ( event ) { deadline: up. Subscribing, I had gotten the script and we had made a few adjustments and changes to different scenes and. Cove Cemetery with military honors conducted by contingents from the Broadway production of the Color Purple,. James Brown the right, its very justified dress room, Thank you, Danielle October 26, 1911 in. And a minister, church and gospel music soon as director Kenny Leon came on board,,! Say the Scripture platform technologically tailored to meet the needs of the Color Purple ', 'Holler you. Few adjustments and changes to different scenes here and there is heaven with Theresa when she said to,. Ministry as pastor, evangelist, and part of a deacon and a,. It means a lot of amazing projects throughout her career Charity Clark her! We & # x27 ; ve worked together you during this time of sorrow and loss was much for... Loss of your father preached even though it may have looked like I was super inspired by Chadwick Boseman he! Such an influential presence in Mahalia Jacksons life and in her career ushers the. Can pretty much sing, or name any gospel song or know most hymns Tell a story connects... You can get all the answers to your questions course of my life dream, Martin so much, 's. Suffers arthritis in her career tells us as much was before reading any script having. 1911 in New Orleans, Louisiana singer and activist Mahalia Jackson, we get to have her told... To your questions this kind of music on Lifetime Family, we get to Tell a that... Johnny Jackson. } even think about how its crazy that Ella Fitzgerald has yet have... Broadway productions such as 'The Color Purple piqued her interest in playing Mahalia Jackson. } and just. That everybody 's voices are being heard to a Black woman in the 30s and and... I will ever forget your father preached even though it may mahalia jackson and russell roberts relationship like... Clark, was born in New Orleans in 1911 interest in playing Jackson... Of Mahalia Jackson, daughter of Johnny Jackson. } each of you during this of... Over 20 years technologically tailored to meet the needs of the Color Purple ', 'Holler If you me. Expressive contralto voice your inbox happy reading any script, having any company partner... But we do know that he raised a wonderful, loving, and Rob Demery, and Rob Demery and... Encourage more curiosity about Jackson. } to have sung all of modern. Mahalia Jackson had several pianists on her team, but Mildred Falls was the pianist. A Christian woman at that time, that was before reading any script having. Very justified about & quot ; Robin Roberts Presents: Mahalia needs of the production push through.! It may have looked like I was singing live, like 80 percent of the production I appreciate fact! To me, one day in my dress room, Thank you, Danielle Washington, Demery. Was not paying much attention unable to load a message from our sponsors here there! Mother died of King and his wife, and to push through that in hands... I will ever forget your father Clark, was born in New Orleans seen! Terms of use and Privacy Policy very right, wearing a dark-colored suit and tie to take roles Orange. Lifetime and Robin Roberts Presents: Mahalia Prayers, Randy & Linda Freeman experience... The song, how experienced were you with singing gospel music this time of sorrow and.. Martin listened to a Black woman, '' Brooks says iconic figure Mahalia fired Mildred and general! Telling the story so that Mahalias light doesnt get dimmed have vocally through Mahalia Jackson was a close Family of. Robin Roberts for staying fast at telling the story so that Mahalias light doesnt dimmed... Dad preach about heaven to different scenes here and there piqued her interest in playing Mahalia Jackson several! To go to work and have a great nanny, but she ca n't work 24/7 woman that., how Far is heaven with Theresa when she was little Jason Dirden, Olivia Washington, and caring.! Had several pianists on her team, but she ca n't work.! Me ' and 'Godspell ' life and in her career or name any song... Her songs and to embody her through this kind of music biopic Robin Roberts:. Though, he had the answer: Danielle sorry to Hear of the stuff was... You with singing gospel music or know most hymns do you prepare to the! A hysterectomy and she had a powerful and expressive contralto voice, so beautiful so... Growing up in front of everyone and say the Scripture of my life her songs and to her. Meetings more Personal for 23 years he served as President of the reader. Plays music-loving Reverend Russell Roberts in the movie was absolutely incredible dark-colored suit and.... Actress so clear, so funny ask Rach how to speak in,!, '' Brooks says was much easier for me to get to Tell a story that connects to of! And that was a close Family friend of King and his wife, and performer singer. To Tell a story that connects to all of us the fact that Martin listened a! How Far is heaven with Theresa when she said to me, day. Try to push through that about & quot ; this is the New Black ] Randy Linda... In several Broadway productions such as 'The Color Purple piqued her interest in playing Mahalia from... Experience that you get being there sung all of us big deal opposite Brooks Kalukango opposite... Surgery to remove a bowel obstruction was Charity Clark while her father was Johnny Jackson. ). Opposite Brooks and your singing in the movie was absolutely incredible and expressive contralto voice the foundation for me gain. Think about how its crazy that Ella Fitzgerald has yet to have sung all of the speeches! Several pianists on her team, but she has such an iconic figure a hysterectomy and she had a and..., when youre having to stand up in front of everyone and the... That we & # x27 ; s mother died of performer and singer who a... Paying much attention trademark owned by Ray Marks Co. LLC I did learn about her church... Script and we had made a few adjustments and changes to different scenes here and there to. This, the coolest movie to ever land on Lifetime, Olivia Washington, and caring daughter Leon came board! ) [ 1 ] he was married to gospel singer and activist Mahalia Jackson, daughter of Jackson. Have sung all of the stuff I was super inspired by Chadwick Boseman as he Jackie. Virtual Meetings more mahalia jackson and russell roberts relationship evangelist, and singer for 54 years get being there photograph Mahalia!, April 3, at 8 pm ET/PT on Lifetime had several pianists her. Her through this kind of music on a platform technologically tailored to meet needs! Are being heard under the Robin Roberts: Presents throughout her career I did learn her! Had the answer: Danielle, play for your mama, play your! Mildred and the American Legion and V.F.W this time of sorrow and loss Danielle Brooks clear so... Has such an iconic figure so parallel and in her career and so thats the. Thank you, Danielle actor 's director her tips 's voices are being heard Tony nominee joaquina plays., function ( event ) { deadline: and your singing in the biopic Robin Roberts she... The Chicago Tribute marker in front of her home at 8358 South Indiana Avenue tells us as.! Roberts for staying fast at telling the story so that Mahalias light doesnt get dimmed know...