Al Roker’s Heartfelt Gift to Rachel Maddow: A Film that Honors Pride and Identity

In an emotional and deeply meaningful gesture, Al Roker, the beloved Today show weatherman and respected producer, has shared a powerful gift with MSNBC’s Rachel Maddow and the LGBTQ+ staff at NBC. The gift, a documentary titled Kenyatta: Do Not Wait Your Turn, is not just a cinematic tribute to a trailblazing politician, but also a heartfelt acknowledgment of the courage and resilience of those who live and work authentically every day, especially within the LGBTQ+ community. Roker’s thoughtful gesture arrives at a time when Maddow, despite her prominent position at MSNBC, has felt a sense of distance due to her reduced on-air presence, making this gift even more poignant.

A Gift Steeped in Meaning

For Pride Month 2025, Rachel Maddow, long a champion for LGBTQ+ rights, had quietly hoped for some acknowledgment from her colleagues at MSNBC. As she noted in a reflective moment, the usual outpouring of support during Pride Month felt conspicuously absent. Maddow, having stepped back somewhat from her daily role at the network to focus on other projects, wondered if her influence had waned. Little did she know, a meticulously crafted gift was on its way, one that would not only uplift her but also shine a light on the stories of others who have fought for their right to live authentically.

Roker, who is no stranger to making a difference behind the scenes, poured his heart into creating Kenyatta: Do Not Wait Your Turn, a documentary film that centers on the journey of Malcolm Kenyatta, a groundbreaking Pennsylvania state representative who is both Black and gay. Kenyatta’s story, as well as the stories of others who have fought for visibility, acceptance, and equality, are reflected throughout the film. Roker’s commitment to capturing these stories came from a deeply personal place—he wanted to honor the strength of those who have navigated not just political battles, but personal ones as well.

The Making of Kenyatta: Do Not Wait Your Turn

The creation of Kenyatta: Do Not Wait Your Turn was a labor of love for Roker, and the process involved far more than just producing a film. Roker spent countless hours working with the team at Seven Knots Film & Media and Xpedition, collaborating with directors, editors, and the subjects themselves to ensure that every frame reflected the true essence of the individuals whose stories were being told. The film chronicles the perseverance of Malcolm Kenyatta and others who have fought to live unapologetically in the face of societal pressures.

But beyond its historical significance, the film holds a special meaning for MSNBC’s LGBTQ+ staff, including Maddow. Roker’s gift was meant not only to honor Kenyatta but also to acknowledge the struggles and triumphs of those like Maddow, who have long been voices of change and representation in media. The film’s title—Do Not Wait Your Turn—is a call to action, urging individuals to claim their space in the world without waiting for permission. It serves as both an encouragement and a recognition of those who have led the charge for equality and visibility, in both public and private spheres.

The Pride Month Surprise

Roker’s gift was unveiled in a surprise screening at 30 Rockefeller Plaza, where MSNBC staff gathered in anticipation. As the lights dimmed and Kenyatta: Do Not Wait Your Turn began to play, the emotional weight of the film hit the audience. For Maddow, seeing the struggles of others reflected on screen was both humbling and affirming. The documentary’s message—that everyone’s truth is worth fighting for—resonated deeply with her and the LGBTQ+ staff, many of whom have faced similar challenges on their own journeys toward self-acceptance and public visibility.

Before the screening, Roker addressed the audience with a few simple yet heartfelt words: “This is for all of you who show up every day as your true selves. Your courage inspires us all.” The room erupted in applause as the audience, including Maddow, took in the magnitude of the gesture. The film was more than a tribute; it was a statement of solidarity, one that reminded everyone in the room that their contributions to NBC were valued and celebrated, even if not always publicly acknowledged.

Al Roker: A Legacy of Thoughtfulness

Al Roker is widely known for his warmth and his approachable demeanor on Today, but his work behind the scenes reveals a deeper commitment to storytelling and social justice. Over the years, Roker has supported colleagues through various personal and professional challenges, whether with words of encouragement or tangible gestures. However, Kenyatta: Do Not Wait Your Turn is perhaps his most ambitious and deeply personal project yet. It required not only his financial and creative resources but also his emotional investment, as he poured countless sleepless nights into perfecting the documentary.

For Maddow, the film was a reminder that her presence at MSNBC is not just valued but truly celebrated. Roker’s gesture bridged the gap between colleagues, allowing for a moment of unity during Pride Month—a time when the LGBTQ+ community reflects on the progress made and the work still to be done. The screening wasn’t just about watching a film; it was about witnessing a movement and honoring the stories of those who continue to fight for visibility and equality.

A Powerful Message for Pride Month and Beyond

Roker’s gift is not just about the film—it’s about the power of storytelling and the importance of recognizing voices that have often been marginalized or overlooked. By creating a film that celebrates authenticity and courage, Roker has done more than honor a politician; he’s honored the everyday heroes who have fought and continue to fight for their right to exist authentically in a world that often demands conformity.

The impact of Kenyatta: Do Not Wait Your Turn is already being felt beyond the walls of MSNBC. The film has sparked conversations about representation, resilience, and the importance of allyship. For Roker, it is just the beginning of a larger mission. “This film is just the beginning,” he said in a follow-up interview. “We need to keep telling these stories, lifting up voices that deserve to be heard.”

Conclusion: A Legacy of Empathy and Action

Al Roker’s documentary, Kenyatta: Do Not Wait Your Turn, is more than a film—it is a celebration of identity, courage, and resilience. For Rachel Maddow and the LGBTQ+ staff at MSNBC, it is a gift that will resonate for years to come, reminding them that their work, their struggles, and their identities are seen, heard, and celebrated. It is also a powerful reminder that storytelling—when done with empathy and authenticity—can create change, build community, and inspire action.

As Pride Month unfolds, Roker’s thoughtful gesture continues to echo in the hearts of those who witnessed it, reminding us all that the fight for equality and authenticity is one that must never stop.