Al Roker’s Surprise Pride Gift Moves MSNBC to Tears — A Powerful Tribute to Rachel Maddow and LGBTQ Voices

As Pride Month 2025 unfolded, MSNBC’s vibrant newsroom seemed unusually quiet—especially for longtime anchor Rachel Maddow. Once a nightly fixture on the network, Maddow found herself reflecting on her reduced presence and the lack of visible celebration this year. But what she didn’t know was that something profoundly meaningful was in motion behind the scenes.

That surprise came in the form of a deeply personal and powerful gift: Kenyatta: Do Not Wait Your Turn — a documentary produced by beloved Today show weatherman Al Roker. The film, co-created through Al Roker Entertainment, Seven Knots Film & Media, and Xpedition, was crafted as a tribute to LGBTQ leaders in journalism, politics, and beyond — with a particular nod to Maddow and her enduring legacy.

A Film That Speaks Volumes Without Needing to Raise Its Voice

The documentary centers on Pennsylvania State Representative Malcolm Kenyatta, a Black gay politician and rising star who has broken barriers while staying true to his identity. Roker saw in Kenyatta’s journey echoes of Maddow’s—and of so many at MSNBC who have fought to be seen not just for who they are, but for what they bring to the table.

Roker invested months of time, energy, and late-night edits to ensure the story was told with integrity. From archival footage to raw interviews, the film unflinchingly explores what it means to live—and lead—authentically.

A Private Screening, A Public Message

The gift was unveiled at an intimate screening at NBC’s headquarters in 30 Rockefeller Plaza. Most staff arrived unaware of what was about to happen. As the lights dimmed and the screen flickered to life, it became clear this was no ordinary company gesture.

The documentary’s emotional depth quickly overtook the room. Staff were visibly moved. And for Maddow—who has weathered decades in the spotlight as one of the most recognizable lesbian figures in media—the tribute was deeply personal.

Before the screening, Roker kept his remarks short but heartfelt:

“This is for everyone who shows up as their full self every day. You matter. You always have.”

The Power of Absence, and the Grace of Acknowledgment

Maddow admitted she initially felt a pang of sadness as Pride Month began without the usual notes or affirmations. But the film, and the thoughtfulness behind it, eclipsed any disappointment.

“Sometimes the quietest gestures speak the loudest,” she shared afterward.
“This wasn’t just for me—it was for all of us.”

Both she and Roker reflected on how the pandemic era reshaped their understanding of presence. During COVID’s peak in 2020, The View, The Today Show, and MSNBC all adapted to remote broadcasting, with hosts like Behar and Maddow filming from home. The connection between colleagues changed—and sometimes felt lost. Roker’s film seemed to help bridge that divide.

Barbara Walters, Representation, and the Road Paved by Trailblazers

In the film, and in their private discussions, Maddow and Roker also honored the legacy of the late Barbara Walters. Her boldness and resilience laid the foundation for women like Maddow to thrive in broadcast media.

“Barbara survived an industry that didn’t want her to succeed,” Maddow said.
“But she did. And because she did, we could.”

A Story That’s Bigger Than One Network

Kenyatta: Do Not Wait Your Turn isn’t just a documentary—it’s a message. A call to courage. A reminder that every person’s truth deserves a platform. The film has already drawn interest from national festivals and streaming services, where its impact is expected to spread far beyond the walls of NBC.

Roker says this is only the beginning:

“There are still too many untold stories. This film is one of many to come. It’s time we continue lifting up the voices that have waited far too long to be heard.”

Legacy, Love, and the Leadership of Kindness

Known off-camera as NBC’s “quiet giant,” Al Roker’s latest act of kindness isn’t surprising to those who know him—but it is unforgettable. Kenyatta: Do Not Wait Your Turn stands not just as a Pride Month gesture, but as a cultural moment that affirms: visibility, storytelling, and community still matter.

For Maddow, for MSNBC’s LGBTQ staff, and for viewers everywhere, this was more than a film. It was validation. It was pride in its truest, most powerful form.