In the vibrant halls of MSNBC, where voices of truth and diversity echo, Pride Month 2025 arrived with a quieter tone for Rachel Maddow. The celebrated host, known for her incisive commentary and unwavering commitment to journalistic integrity, felt a pang of disappointment. Unlike previous years, the usual outpouring of well-wishes from colleagues during Pride Month was conspicuously absent. Maddow, reflecting on her reduced presence at the network due to her evolving career, wondered if her influence had waned. Little did she know that a profound and meticulously crafted gift was on its way—a gesture spearheaded by none other than Al Roker, the beloved weatherman whose heart has always been as warm as his on-screen presence.

This gift was not a fleeting token or a simple card. It was Kenyatta: Do Not Wait Your Turn, a documentary film that Roker had poured his heart, time, and resources into producing through his company, Al Roker Entertainment, Inc., in collaboration with Seven Knots Film & Media and Xpedition. The film, a labor of love, was inspired by the resilience and courage of MSNBC’s LGBTQ staff, including Maddow, and others who have fought tirelessly to live authentically. It was a tribute to their strength, their struggles, and their triumphs—a cinematic reflection of the true value within each person.

A Gift Born of Sleepless Nights

Al Roker, a household name synonymous with warmth and reliability, is no stranger to the power of storytelling. His role as a weatherman on NBC’s Today show has made him a familiar face, but his work behind the scenes as a producer reveals a deeper commitment to uplifting others. The creation of Kenyatta: Do Not Wait Your Turn was no small feat. Roker invested not only financial resources but also countless sleepless nights overseeing the project’s development. From script revisions to editing sessions, he immersed himself in every detail, ensuring the film captured the essence of its subjects—individuals who, like Maddow and her colleagues, have faced societal challenges to embrace their true selves.

The documentary centers on Malcolm Kenyatta, a trailblazing Pennsylvania state representative whose journey as a Black, gay politician resonates with themes of perseverance and authenticity. Roker saw parallels between Kenyatta’s story and the experiences of MSNBC’s LGBTQ staff, many of whom have navigated personal and professional battles to claim their space in the world. The film’s narrative weaves together interviews, archival footage, and personal reflections, creating a tapestry of courage that honors not just Kenyatta but all those who dare to live unapologetically.

A Surprise for Pride Month

As Pride Month unfolded, Maddow’s initial hurt at the lack of acknowledgment from colleagues was understandable. Her presence at MSNBC, once a nightly staple, had shifted as she focused on projects like her podcast and other ventures. Yet, Roker’s gift was designed to remind her—and the entire LGBTQ staff at NBC—that their contributions and identities are seen, valued, and celebrated. The surprise was unveiled at a special screening event organized at 30 Rockefeller Plaza, where staff gathered, unaware of the emotional weight of what they were about to experience.

The lights dimmed, and Kenyatta: Do Not Wait Your Turn began to play. The audience was captivated as the film unfolded, showcasing Kenyatta’s journey alongside stories of others who have fought for their place in a world that often demands conformity. For Maddow, the film struck a personal chord. As a prominent lesbian figure in media, she has long been a beacon for the LGBTQ community, and seeing her struggles mirrored in the documentary was both humbling and affirming. The film’s message—that every individual’s truth is worth fighting for—resonated deeply with the audience.

Roker, who attended the screening, spoke briefly before the film began. His words were simple but heartfelt: “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, and Maddow, visibly moved, later shared that the gesture was one of the most meaningful she had ever received. The film was not just a gift but a testament to Roker’s belief in the power of storytelling to heal, unite, and inspire.

The Making of a Masterpiece

The production of Kenyatta: Do Not Wait Your Turn was a collaborative effort that showcased Roker’s dedication to excellence. Partnering with Seven Knots Film & Media, a Philadelphia-based production company, and Xpedition, Roker ensured that every aspect of the film was handled with care. The team spent months researching and interviewing, capturing the nuances of Kenyatta’s life and the broader LGBTQ experience. Roker’s hands-on approach was evident in his late-night calls with directors, his feedback on rough cuts, and his insistence on authenticity in every frame.

The film’s title, Do Not Wait Your Turn, is a call to action—a reminder that progress is made by those who refuse to wait for permission to be themselves. For MSNBC’s LGBTQ staff, this message was particularly poignant. Many, like Maddow, have faced scrutiny and bias in their careers, yet they have persisted, carving out spaces where their voices can be heard. Roker’s gift was a way of saying, “We see you, and we honor you.”

A Legacy of Thoughtfulness

Al Roker’s reputation as the “most thoughtful one” at NBC is well-earned. Over the years, he has quietly supported colleagues through gestures both big and small, from celebrating milestones to offering words of encouragement during tough times. The creation of Kenyatta: Do Not Wait Your Turn is perhaps his most ambitious act of kindness yet—a project that required not just financial investment but emotional and creative energy. It is a gift that will endure, not only for the MSNBC staff but for audiences who will see the film in theaters, at festivals, or on streaming platforms.

For Maddow and her colleagues, the film was a reminder that their presence at NBC is not just valued but celebrated. It was a moment of unity during Pride Month, a time when the LGBTQ community reflects on its progress and its ongoing fight for equality. Roker’s gift bridged the gap between colleagues, reminding them that even in a fast-paced industry, there is room for heartfelt connection.

A Call to Continue the Fight

As the screening concluded, the room buzzed with emotion. Staff members embraced, shared stories, and expressed gratitude for Roker’s thoughtfulness. The film’s impact extended beyond the walls of MSNBC, sparking conversations about representation, resilience, and the importance of allyship. For Roker, the project was a labor of love, but it was also a call to action. “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.”

Kenyatta: Do Not Wait Your Turn is more than a documentary; it is a celebration of identity, a tribute to courage, and a reminder that every person’s story matters. For Rachel Maddow and the LGBTQ staff at NBC, it was a Pride Month gift that will linger in their hearts for years to come. And for Al Roker, it was a chance to show, once again, that thoughtfulness and storytelling can change the world, one frame at a time.