Al Roker’s Secret Pride Month Gift for Rachel Maddow and NBC’s LGBTQ Staff Will Leave You in Tears—Here’s What He Revealed in the Most Emotional TV Moment of the Year!

Pride Month 2025 was supposed to be just another month of celebration for the LGBTQ community at NBC. But for Rachel Maddow, the usual wave of well-wishes from colleagues was noticeably absent. Once the network’s most celebrated voice, Maddow found herself quietly reflecting on her reduced presence, wondering if her influence had waned. Little did she know, her colleague Al Roker, the beloved weatherman with a heart as big as his on-screen presence, had been crafting something that would leave her—and the entire LGBTQ staff at NBC—speechless.

The gift, a documentary titled Kenyatta: Do Not Wait Your Turn, would become the surprise of the year and a reminder of the profound impact storytelling can have on those who need to be seen, heard, and celebrated. But what exactly is this gift, and why did it bring even the most seasoned TV personalities to tears?

The Gift That No One Saw Coming

In the fast-paced, often cutthroat world of television, it’s rare for something truly heartfelt to cut through the noise. Yet, Al Roker managed to do just that. Roker, already known for his sunny disposition and reliability on NBC’s Today show, took on the ambitious task of producing a documentary film through his own company, Al Roker Entertainment, Inc., in collaboration with Seven Knots Film & Media and Xpedition. What resulted was a film that would not only surprise but also deeply move those who saw it.

Kenyatta: Do Not Wait Your Turn tells the powerful story of Malcolm Kenyatta, a trailblazing Pennsylvania state representative whose journey as a Black, gay politician is a testament to resilience, perseverance, and the fight for authenticity. Roker had been inspired by the struggles of MSNBC’s LGBTQ staff—people like Maddow—who have fought against adversity to be their true selves. This film, however, was more than just a tribute to Kenyatta—it was a tribute to every LGBTQ person fighting to be seen and respected in a world that often demands conformity.

A Labor of Love and Sleepless Nights

Roker’s involvement in this project was far from passive. He poured not only his financial resources but countless sleepless nights into its development. From script revisions to editing sessions, Roker was hands-on, making sure that every detail captured the essence of what it means to live authentically. For Roker, this wasn’t just about creating a film—it was about crafting something that would resonate with people who had been marginalized, and remind them that their stories mattered.

As Pride Month unfolded, Maddow found herself reflecting on the absence of acknowledgment from her colleagues. Her reduced role at MSNBC, which had shifted from nightly broadcasts to a focus on podcasting and other projects, seemed to leave her isolated. But Roker’s surprise gift was designed to remind her and others like her that their work, their struggles, and their identities were seen, valued, and, most importantly, celebrated.

The Big Reveal: A Surprising Screening

The big moment came when Roker organized a special screening of Kenyatta: Do Not Wait Your Turn at NBC’s iconic 30 Rockefeller Plaza. Staff members were unaware of the emotional journey they were about to embark on. The lights dimmed, and as the documentary unfolded, the room was filled with the powerful and inspiring messages woven through Kenyatta’s life, as well as the lives of others who fought for their rightful place in society.

For Maddow, who has long been a beacon for the LGBTQ community, the film struck a deeply personal chord. Seeing her own struggles mirrored in Kenyatta’s story was both humbling and affirming. It reminded her of the importance of being unapologetically true to oneself, even when faced with immense challenges. The room was hushed as the story unfolded, and when the film concluded, there was a wave of emotional release—applause, tears, and a collective sense of being understood.

Roker, who attended the screening, spoke briefly before the film began. His words were simple but powerful: “This is for all of you who show up every day as your true selves. Your courage inspires us all.” In that moment, it was clear that Roker’s gift was not just for Maddow or the LGBTQ staff at MSNBC—it was for everyone who had ever felt like their voice didn’t matter, or that their story wasn’t worth telling.

The Heart of the Film: A Call to Action

At its core, Kenyatta: Do Not Wait Your Turn is a call to action. It challenges viewers to live their truth without waiting for permission. Roker and his team’s commitment to showcasing not just Kenyatta’s life but the broader LGBTQ experience was an emotional and political statement about the importance of representation and allyship. The documentary stands as a powerful reminder that progress is driven by those who refuse to stay silent, those who dare to stand up for who they truly are.

For NBC’s LGBTQ staff, the message was clear: We see you. We honor you. We celebrate you.

Behind the Scenes: A Project of Unyielding Commitment

The making of Kenyatta: Do Not Wait Your Turn was no small feat. It was a collaborative effort that showcased Roker’s commitment to excellence and authenticity. Working closely with Seven Knots Film & Media and Xpedition, Roker and his team spent months interviewing people, gathering archival footage, and piecing together the story that would resonate with viewers long after the credits rolled.

Every detail, from the pacing of the documentary to the personal reflections of its subjects, was carefully crafted to ensure the film was as impactful as possible. For Roker, this wasn’t just about producing a film—it was about creating something that could spark change, a film that could unite people through shared stories of courage and resilience.

A Legacy of Thoughtfulness

Al Roker’s reputation as the “most thoughtful one” at NBC is well-earned. Throughout his career, he has supported his colleagues with gestures both large and small, offering words of encouragement during tough times or celebrating personal milestones. But the creation of Kenyatta: Do Not Wait Your Turn may be his most ambitious and heartfelt act of kindness yet.

For Maddow and her colleagues, the film was a reminder that their presence at NBC is not just appreciated—it’s essential. It was a moment of connection, a chance to be reminded that their voices are integral to the fabric of the network. And it was an affirmation that they are not just workers—they are people whose identities and stories deserve to be celebrated.

The Ripple Effect: More Than Just a Film

As the screening concluded, the impact of Roker’s gift became abundantly clear. Staff members embraced, shared their stories, and expressed their gratitude for a film that captured their experiences so poignantly. Kenyatta: Do Not Wait Your Turn will live on beyond the walls of NBC, continuing to spark conversations about LGBTQ representation, resilience, and the importance of allyship.

For Roker, the project was just the beginning. “We need to keep telling these stories,” he said in a follow-up interview. “We need to lift up voices that deserve to be heard.”

For Maddow, the screening was a turning point. It was a Pride Month gift that not only affirmed her worth but celebrated it, reminding her—and everyone in the room—that their stories matter, and they always will.

Kenyatta: Do Not Wait Your Turn is more than a documentary. It’s a movement. And for Al Roker, it’s a legacy of thoughtfulness, one frame at a time.