For decades, audiences have welcomed Robin Roberts into their homes each morning as one of the most trusted journalists in America. Through major news events, personal health challenges, and countless cultural moments, she has built a career rooted in credibility, resilience and authenticity. But these days, Roberts is spending time away from her Good Morning America desk for a different reason: she is helping bring another powerful story to life.
Roberts is currently producing a new Lifetime film, Angel in the Rubble, through her production company, Rock’n Robin Productions. Actress Sherri Sheperd and actor, Dondre Whitfield star in the movie which tells the remarkable true story of Genelle Guzman-McMillian, the final survivor rescued from Ground Zero following the September 11 attacks. The film is based on Guzman-McMillian’s memoir, Angel in the Rubble: The Miraculous Rescue of 9/11’s Last Survivor, and is expected to premiere later this year in conjunction with the 25th anniversary of 9/11 (Good Housekeeping).
At first glance, this may seem like another television movie announcement but in reality, it represents something much bigger. Increasingly, women are moving beyond simply appearing on screen and stepping into positions where they control what stories get told int he first place. They are becoming producers, studio executives, financiers, directors and media owners. They are building platforms capable of shaping culture rather than simply participating in it. Robin Roberts is doing just that.
When women, especially women of color, own media, they help determine which stories receive attention, whose voices are amplified, and which experiences become part of our collective conversation. Ownership creates influence, influence shapes culture and we are hear for Robin Roberts and it all. For years, she has informed audiences through journalism. Now she is helping shape the stories that inspire them as well, and perhaps that is the most powerful part of this announcement.
