Antigua & Barbuda Ambassador Keisha Schahaff Walks NYFW Rise Survivor Fashion Show

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News Americas, New York, NY, September 16, 2024: Keisha Schahaff, Antigua and Barbuda’s inspiring ambassador, continues to break barriers by advocating for survivors’ rights on one of fashion’s most prestigious stages. Schahaff, who made headlines as part of the first Caribbean mother-daughter duo to travel to space, recently walked the runway at the 4th annual NYFW Rise Survivor Fashion Show during New York Fashion Week.

Antigua & Barbuda Ambassador Keisha Schahaff Walks NYFW Rise Survivor Fashion Show

In 2023, Schahaff and her daughter, Anastasia Mayers, gained global recognition when they were selected to travel to space with Virgin Galactic. Now, Keisha is using her platform to advocate for empowerment and support for survivors at one of the world’s most prominent fashion events.

The Survivor Fashion Show, founded by Nobel Peace Prize nominee Amanda Nguyen, celebrates resilience and advocates for survivors of sexual violence. This year’s show, co-hosted by Forbes and Rise, highlighted changemakers from various fields, including astronauts, Olympians, and global leaders. Schahaff’s participation not only underscores her personal courage but also shines a spotlight on Antigua and Barbuda, the twin-island nation she proudly represents.

“As a mother, astronaut, and proud ambassador for Antigua and Barbuda, I hope to inspire others to conquer their fears and pursue their dreams,” Schahaff shared. “Walking in this fashion show is another step in reclaiming my power and helping others find theirs. I want this moment to empower survivors everywhere to know they have the strength to rise.”

Schahaff’s involvement in this prestigious event also serves as an opportunity to highlight the beauty and culture of Antigua and Barbuda on the global stage. The country is known for its vibrant culture, rich history, and 365 stunning beaches, continues to attract travelers from around the world. Antigua, home to the UNESCO World Heritage site Nelson’s Dockyard, and Barbuda, famous for its untouched pink sand beaches and the largest Frigate Bird Sanctuary in the Western Hemisphere, remain iconic destinations.

Caribbean Roots US VP Shines In Gown by Caribbean Heritage Designer

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News Americas, New York, NY, September 16, 2024: U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris, with her Caribbean roots, made a bold fashion statement at the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s Phoenix Awards in Washington, D.C., trading her usual pantsuits for a dazzling creation by Caribbean heritage designer LaQuan Smith.

Caribbean roots US Vice President Kamala Harris delivers remarks at the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation 2024 Phoenix Awards at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center on September 14, 2024 in Washington, DC., wearing LaQuan Smith. The Phoenix Awards, the culmination of the week-long 53rd Annual Legislative Conference, recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to society. (Photo by Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)

Harris wore a stunning long-sleeved, sequined gown by Smith, a Trinidadian-rooted designer and native of Jamaica, Queens, NY. The dress, featuring a high, rounded neckline and black sequins, struck a perfect balance between elegance and celebration.

US Vice President and Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris speaks during the 2024 Phoenix Awards Dinner at the Washington Convention Center in Washington, DC, on September 14, 2024. (Photo by Drew ANGERER / AFP) (Photo by DREW ANGERER/AFP via Getty Images)

At the event, which honors the CBCF’s work in advancing the global Black community, Harris praised the Congressional Black Caucus for its leadership. “The Congressional Black Caucus has served as the conscience of the Congress and our nation,” she remarked. “As a former CBC member, I know firsthand that America relies on the leaders in this room for both conscience and vision.”

US Vice President Kamala Harris arrives on stage during the 2024 Phoenix Awards Dinner in Washington, DC, US, on Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024 wearing LaQuan Smith. The dinner, hosted by the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) and the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation (CBCF), honors the work done by the two groups to uphold democratic norms and institutions and chart a pathway for progress for Black Americans. Photographer: Kent Nishimura/Bloomberg via Getty Images

LaQuan Smith, since launching his label in 2013, has become a standout name in contemporary fashion, known for his daring, boundary-pushing designs. His unique cuts and innovative use of materials have made him a rising star, with collections showcased at New York Fashion Week. Smith’s creations have gained fans like Beyoncé, Rihanna, Kim Kardashian, and Bahamian rocker Lenny Kravitz. Now, he can add the U.S. Vice President and Democratic presidential contender to his list of high-profile admirers.

Smith’s journey began with his grandmother, who taught him sewing and pattern-making as a child. Despite early setbacks, including rejections from top fashion schools, he persevered, eventually working his way up in the industry through internships and hard work. Today, his glamorous designs have earned him accolades, including the CFDA Vogue Fashion Fund and an ACE Hero Award. Smith’s star continues to rise, with recent collaborations, including one with LOUIS XIII.

His fashion is celebrated worldwide, and his work remains a testament to his Caribbean heritage and creative brilliance.

Global Hotelier Sam Nazarian and Business Icon Tony Robbins Launch ‘The Estate’: A Pioneering Luxury Hotels & Residences Platform Focused on Preventative Medicine, Debuting in St. Kitts & Nevis

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News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Monday. Sept. 16, 2024: Following Bloomberg Pursuits exclusive reveal earlier today, global hospitality leader Sam Nazarian, best-selling author and life-coach Tony Robbins, global music icon Marc Anthony, and international strategist Richard Attias, have announced The Estate – a revolutionary investment in St Kitts & Nevis marking the first luxury hospitality and residential ecosystem in the Caribbean.

The Estate is coming to St. Kitts & Nevis first!

This groundbreaking luxury hotel platform, titled simply, The Estate, is the vision of Nazarian, the founder and CEO of sbe, and Tony Robbins, an entrepreneur, a #1 New York Times bestselling author, philanthropist, and the US’s #1 life & business strategist. They are joined by partner and global music icon and ambassador of Latin music and culture, Marc Anthony, and international strategist and visionary architect of global influence, Richard Attias.

The first of four Estate Luxury Hotels & Residences will launch in St Kitts and Nevis, home to less than 50,000 people, in 2026.  Never in the wider Caribbean have such influential and powerful business and cultural icons as Robbins, Anthony, Nazarian and Attias, with up to 150-million followers across all social media, put their names to such a development.

The Prime Minister of St Kitts & Nevis, a medical doctor, was instrumental in securing this global innovation in medical wellness ahead of the United Kingdom, Italy, Switzerland, and the GCC, (Gulf Cooperation Council).

Always ahead of the curve, Sam and Tony began developing the luxury hotel brand of the future concept pre-pandemic. They resolved to create a new omnichannel approach to longevity, meeting the customer wherever they are rather than solely a destination offering.

The Estate will lead the luxury hotel industry through its resorts and collection of urban preventative and longevity centers in core markets through partnership with industry leader Fountain Life, the leader in disease detection, prevention and reversal, providing the knowledge, coaching, and therapeutics that can increase vitality and health span, and turn back the clock on aging.

The Luxury Hotels & Residences is set to quickly become the largest ecosystem of preventative medicine and longevity in the world featuring 15 global hotels & residences and 10 urban preventative medicine and longevity centers by 2030, totaling 25 world-class centers in partnership with Fountain Life.

The Estate will partner in select urban locations with globally renowned Clinique La Prairie, the leader in longevity for more than 90 years, under the leadership of CEO Simone Gibertoni, offering premier holistic treatments through the ‘Longevity Hub by Clinique La Prairie’ and their iconic line of Longevity Supplements® ‘CLP Holistic Health®.’

“In 2006 I created SLS Hotels, a brand both relevant and disruptive for the emerging lifestyle industry. Then, lifestyle was ‘access’, now luxury is ‘longevity’,” commented Nazarian. “The Estate will lead with luxury. In 2024, we are disrupting again, by bringing together global market leaders, providing a platform for the best ideas to surface, and giving them scale. We are not building medical hotels – we are building luxury hotels, residences and urban clinics that are differentiated by a commitment to changing people’s lives. I have the honor of working with titans I have always admired, who share the same vision. Tony, Marc and Richard have led globally celebrated careers of excellence and inspiration, rooted in philanthropy and love and I couldn’t be more proud to start this journey with them.”

“High-quality preventative medicine has significantly enhanced my own life and I’m thrilled to collaborate with Sam on launching The Estate,” said Robbins. “By meeting people where they are, we blend a five-star experience with some of the world’s leading experts and offerings in preventative diagnostics and longevity on a global scale.”

“The Estate is a truly unique and transformative project, and I’m excited to partner with Sam and Tony to bring it to the world,” added Anthony. “Working alongside visionaries like Sam and Tony – individuals I’ve long admired for their dedication to excellence, philanthropy, and love – is an incredible honor. I couldn’t be prouder to embark on this journey with them. Together, we’re merging five-star luxury with the expertise of the world’s top specialists in preventative diagnostics and longevity. The Estate will re-define what luxury means, setting a new standard for the future.”

“The Estate represents a bold convergence of luxury, innovation, and purpose—an approach that aligns deeply with my work in creating transformative global platforms,” stated Attias. “This project is more than just another development; it is a revolutionary ecosystem where world-class hospitality meets the cutting edge of preventative medicine, AI, and longevity. We are setting a new standard for how we live and thrive.”

The fact that the Estate will, through the sbe Foundation, ensure that underprivileged communities are able to access preventative diagnostics and treatments by working with partner charities, would surely benefit the wider community of St Kitts & Nevis. Construction in St. Kitts & Nevis is expected to start in the first half of 2025 to support the first planned pre-sales of residential sales units, anticipated to begin later that summer.

Jazz Musician Etienne Charles Unites With Formerly Incarcerated Group Critical Mas

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News Americas, New York, NY, Fri. September 13, 2024: Trinidadian musical collective Critical Mas, made up of formerly incarcerated artists, is set to release its debut single “Born a Criminal” on September 20, 2024.

The song, written by group member Friday while incarcerated in Trinidad’s youth prison, is a powerful collaboration with renowned jazz musician Etienne Charles. It blends dancehall, Afrobeats, and an ominous jazz riff, with lyrics that highlight how poverty and inequality can turn citizens into criminals.

Critical Mas: Friday, Nicholas Khan, Cherese Washington, Marvin Alexander, Romel Lezama. (PHOTO: COLIN WILLIAMS)

A listening event for “Born a Criminal” took place on September 12th at Doux Nightclub in New York City, ahead of another event on September 21 at The Burg in Port of Spain, Trinidad. The track is produced by Rheon Elbourne, the creator of the “Trinibad” genre, and was originally written in 2010 when Friday won a People’s Choice Award for the song while incarcerated.

Critical Mas is the first group of formerly incarcerated individuals in Trinidad and Tobago to use their artistic platform to push for justice reform in a country with one of the highest homicide rates globally. Trinidad faces rampant gun violence and drug trafficking, and a deeply flawed justice system, where the average wait for trial is six years, leaving thousands imprisoned without due process.

Group member Nicholas Khan, who spent 11 years in prison waiting for trial, found solace in poetry and now brings his spoken-word talent to Critical Mas. Romel Lezama, another member, spent a decade in Trinidad’s Youth Training and Rehabilitation Centre (YTRC) and became the first incarcerated individual to qualify for a National Calypso Monarch semi-final. Lezama’s song “Prison to Palace” will be the group’s next release.

Critical Mas is supported by the Incarceration Nations Network, a global prison reform organization led by Dr. Baz Dreisinger, who co-founded the group with Etienne Charles. The project began in 2024 with arts workshops for incarcerated and formerly incarcerated individuals in Trinidad, which grew into the formation of Critical Mas. The name reflects the group’s mission to reach a critical mass of voices advocating for change, while paying homage to Trinidad’s cultural symbol of Carnival, or mas.

The group debuted at Charles’ Road March show at Queen’s Hall Performing Arts Center in February 2024, followed by another performance in Port of Spain in April. They are now preparing for a Carnival season tour that will bring them to schools, concerts, and community spaces across Trinidad, using art to promote discussions on justice reform, particularly with youth.

By combining art and personal experience, Critical Mas is part of a growing movement, similar to those in the U.S., that seeks to use culture as a catalyst for justice reform. This approach has proven effective in shifting public opinion on issues like mass incarceration in the U.S. and is now being implemented in Trinidad and Tobago.

Puerto Rican Roots Actress Liza Colón-Zayas Wins First Emmy

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News Americas, New York, NY, September 15, 2024: Liza Colón-Zayas, an acclaimed NYC-born actress of Puerto Rican descent, has won her first Emmy for her standout role as Tina in FX’s hit series “The Bear.”

Liza Colón-Zayas accepts the Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series award for “The Bear” onstage during the 76th Primetime Emmy Awards at Peacock Theater on September 15, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Leon Bennett/WireImage)

Colón-Zayas portrays Tina, the sous chef in the restaurant at the heart of the show, who serves as a nurturing presence in the kitchen while embarking on a personal journey of self-worth. In Season 2, Tina sharpens her culinary skills and begins to see her work as more than just a job, but a true calling. This season also featured an episode centered on Tina, co-starring her real-life husband, David Zayas.

Liza Colón-Zayas, a NYC-born actress of Puerto Rican heritage, at the 2024 Emmy Awards. (Disney/Eric McCandless)LIZA COLÓN-ZAYAS)

Colón-Zayas was selected for the Emmy from a competitive field that included Sheryl Lee Ralph and Janelle James of “Abbott Elementary,” Hannah Einbinder of “Hacks,” and legends Meryl Streep (“Only Murders in the Building”) and Carol Burnett (“Palm Royale”).

During her emotional acceptance speech, Colón-Zayas encouraged all Latinas to “vote for their rights.”

The 76th Emmy Awards, hosted by Eugene Levy and Dan Levy, was broadcast live on ABC on Sept. 15th from the Peacock Theater at L.A. LIVE in downtown Los Angeles, CA.

Jamaican Actress Joins Atlantic Theater Company’s Staged Reading Of ‘Not About Eve’

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News Americas, New York, NY, September 13, 2024: Jamaican actress Miranda Melhado has joined the cast of Not About Eve, the award-winning drama by Karl O’Brian Williams, which will be presented as a staged reading by the Atlantic Theater Company.

Jamaican actress Miranda Melhado at the London Premiere of Thor- Love and Thunder. (Contributed image)

Part of the theater’s annual Caribbean MixFest, the event runs from September 14th to 20th at The Atlantic Stage 2 Theater in New York City. Not About Eve will be performed on Wednesday, September 18th, at 7 p.m., as a one-night-only event.

Melhado will perform alongside an all-female cast of three, which includes Jamaican actors Heather Alicia Simms, known for her role in Broadway’s Purlie Victorious, and Mitzi Pratt from Amazon Prime’s Nanny. The production will be directed by Patrice Johnson Chevannes, a celebrated Jamaican-born filmmaker, actress, and director, whose credits include Broadway’s The Crucible and Shakespeare Theater of DC’s Othello.

Miranda Melhado in ‘From Yard -The Series.‘ (Photo courtesy of Cupcake Rapture Studios.)

Set in modern-day Jamaica, Not About Eve follows three generations of women in the Shields family: Mama Agatha Rochester (played by Pratt), her daughter Katherine (Simms), and granddaughter Kimberly (Melhado). While they share a home, their lives remain disconnected. The anniversary of Katherine’s husband’s death sparks a series of events that forces the women to confront deep emotional truths about their relationships, ultimately challenging the bonds that hold them together.

Originally premiering in Kingston, Jamaica, in 2006, Not About Eve won the 2007 International Theatre Institute (Jamaica) Actor Boy Award for Best New Jamaican Play. The drama made its New York City debut in 2012 and was later featured at the 2013 National Black Theatre Festival in North Carolina.

For Melhado, the role of Kimberly Shields is another significant milestone in her growing career. She was last seen on the New York stage in the American premiere of Alwin Bully’s McBee, and also appears in the horror film Amityville Vampire, currently streaming on Amazon Prime. Her other credits include the upcoming TV pilot From Yard, which will premiere at the Nollywood Film Festival in Toronto this month, and David Heron’s Against His Will at The Apollo.

“I’m thrilled to be part of such an incredible cast of Jamaican actors and to work with the talented Patrice Johnson Chevannes,” says Melhado. “Karl has crafted three strong, complex female characters who are financially stable but emotionally tested. I look forward to bringing Kimberly to life and offering audiences a memorable experience on September 18.”

Though born to Syrian and Portuguese parents, Melhado grew up in Jamaica and holds a BA in acting from the University of Southern California (USC). Remarkably, Not About Eve is only the second time she has portrayed a Jamaican character on stage, the first being in Against His Will.

“People often assume I’m Brazilian, Italian, or even Greek, so I rarely get cast as Jamaican,” she adds. “Playing Kimberly is a wonderful opportunity to connect with my roots and tell another rich Jamaican story.”

The Atlantic Theater Company, founded in 1985, has produced over 200 plays, including Tony Award-winning Broadway productions like Spring Awakening and The Band’s Visit. The MixFest series, which celebrates diverse voices in theater, is free and open to the public, but reservations are required.

For tickets to Not About Eve, visit AtlanticTheater.org.

Guyanese Singer Eddy Grant Wins Copyright Case Against Donald Trump

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News Americas, New York, NY, Sept. 13, 2024: Guyanese-British singer Eddy Grant has won a copyright infringement lawsuit against former U.S. President Donald Trump, after a federal judge ruled that Trump’s 2020 campaign unlawfully used Grant’s hit song “Electric Avenue” in a campaign video without permission.

Eddy Grant attends the unveiling of The Music Walk Of Fame 2023 at Camden on September 07, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Joseph Okpako/WireImage)

The case was filed by Grant in 2020 when Trump’s team used the 1982 chart-topping song in a video shared on social media attacking then-presidential candidate Joe Biden. Grant expressed dismay at the unauthorized use of his music, which led to the lawsuit.

Trump’s legal team had argued that their use of the song fell under the fair use doctrine, which allows limited re-use of copyrighted material under certain circumstances. However, Judge John G. Koeltl firmly rejected this argument, stating that the campaign video did not modify the song’s lyrics, vocals, or instrumentals, and offered no justification for its extensive use.

In his ruling, Judge Koeltl said, “The video has a very low degree of transformativeness, if any at all,” describing it as “wholesale copying of music to accompany a political campaign ad.”

Following the ruling, Grant’s attorney, Brian D. Caplan, said that his client was “gratified” by the decision, noting that it underscores the importance of protecting artists’ rights. “Politicians are not above the law, and the court reaffirmed that,” Caplan said.

While the court ruled that Trump and his campaign were legally liable for copyright infringement, the amount of damages Trump will have to pay Grant is yet to be determined in future proceedings.

Trump has faced similar complaints from other artists during his political campaigns. Notable acts such as Beyoncé, Celine Dion, and ABBA, as well as the estates of Sinead O’Connor and Isaac Hayes, have voiced opposition to the unauthorized use of their music.

Caribbean-Born Jazz Singer Wins 2024 InterContinental Music Award

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News Americas, New York, NY, Fri. September 13, 2024: Acclaimed Caribbean-born jazz artist Marie-Claire Giraud has been named the winner in the Jazz category at the prestigious 2024 InterContinental Music Awards, (ICMA).

Caribbean-born jazz singer Marie-Claire Giraud

These global awards celebrate outstanding musical talent across diverse genres, recognizing artists from all over the world.

Marie-Claire, originally from Dominica and raised in the Bronx, expressed her excitement at receiving this recognition. “Winning ‘Best of America Jazz’ for my original song Chasin’ Rainbows is incredible because it means more people will hear my song, which is all about positivity and never giving up on your dreams,” she said.

The 2024 ICMA competition attracted submissions from over 55 countries, highlighting the rich diversity of musical talent across the globe. A total of 116 winners were selected across genres such as Flamenco, Reggae, New Age, Asian Pop, and Jazz, with entries divided into geographic regions to spotlight talent from Africa, Europe, the Americas, Asia, and the Middle East.

“We celebrated not just individual melodies, but a harmonious global symphony where artists from different cultures, time zones, and backgrounds shared their voices and stories,” said Shahed Mohseni, Founder and Executive Director of ICMA.

Judges for the awards included top professionals from Hollywood’s music, entertainment, film, and media industries. They evaluated entries based on originality, composition, production quality, and overall message. Winners, including Marie-Claire, will receive prizes such as scholarships, mentoring sessions, promotional support, and official ICMA awards.

Marie-Claire is currently working on her upcoming jazz album Caravan with Plaid Dog Recording, set for release in late October 2024. A seasoned performer, she regularly appears with renowned pianists Jon Davis and Matt Baker at the Scarlet Jazz Lounge in New York City. Her previous performances include her acclaimed one-woman show The Great American Songbook at the Movies and headlining at Maui’s Jazz Maui Sunset Jazz Series.

Beyond her jazz career, Marie-Claire has graced iconic venues like Carnegie Hall, the Barclays Center, and Madison Square Garden. She has also performed at international festivals such as the Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival and Cartagena Jazz Festival.

A recipient of several accolades, including the NYC Caribbean Heritage Award and recognition from the NAACP for her career achievements and community service, Marie-Claire continues to inspire through her music and advocacy.

For more updates on her upcoming performances, visit her official website at marie-clairegiraud.com.

Dancehall Star Spice Releases New Single

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News Americas, New York, NY, Fri. September 13, 2024: Queen of Dancehall, Spice, has just released her latest single, “Sitt’n Fi Chat,” via VP Records and Shaggy’s label, Ranch Entertainment.

Spice drops Sitt’n Fi Chat

The track is the third release on the popular “Badman” riddim, following Olaf Blackwood and Shaggy’s “Selector Pull It” and Junior Cat’s “Rude Bwoy Sumthin.” Produced by Shaggy and Shane Hoosong, the single is already generating excitement across the dancehall scene.

Accompanying the release is a dynamic, career-spanning music video featuring legendary artists like Ninja Man and Vybz Kartel, highlighting Spice’s journey as a dancehall icon.

Watch the video here.

Lenny Kravitz Dedicates 2024 MTV VMA Award to Caribbean Roots Mom

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News Americas, New York, NY, September 12, 2024: Famed rocker Lenny Kravitz, 60, honored his Caribbean heritage mother, Roxie Roker, last night, as he celebrated his win for Best Rock at the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards.

Lenny Kravitz with mother Roxie Roker attending the 1993 MTV Video Music Awards at Universal City in Los Angeles, California 09/02/93 (Photo by Vinnie Zuffante/Getty Images)

Kravitz, who won for his song “Human,” dedicated the award to Roker, who passed away in 1995 after a battle with cancer.

“Wow. This is incredible. I am so grateful. Thirty-one years ago, my mother was with me at an award show, was at the VMAs, so I dedicate this to her,” Kravitz shared in a pre-show interview.

Lenny Kravitz and Quavo perform onstage during the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards at UBS Arena on September 11, 2024 in Elmont, New York. (Photo by Noam Galai/Getty Images for MTV)

Roker, best known for her role as Helen Willis on The Jeffersons, had accompanied her son to the 1993 MTV VMAs. Her roots had extended to the Bahamas, where Kravitz currently also has a home.

Lenny Kravitz at the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards held at UBS Arena on September 11, 2024 in Elmont, New York. (Photo by Christopher Polk/Billboard via Getty Images)

Kravitz, known for his deep connection to his mother, often reflects on their bond. In a recent social media post, he reminisced about that special 1993 moment. “Having my beautiful mother by my side at my first #VMAs 31 years ago is a moment I will always cherish,” he wrote.

The rocker is currently gearing up for his Las Vegas residency in October and is fresh off his latest album release, Blue Electric Light. Speaking about his craft, Kravitz likened his process to painting, drawing inspiration from legends like Stevie Wonder and Prince.

The 2024 MTV VMAs aired live from UBS Arena in Elmont, New York on September 11.  Kravitz also performed onstage along with  Quavo.

About Roxie Roker

Roxie Roker was born in Miami, Florida, to Bessie Roker (née Mitchell) from Georgia, who worked as a domestic, and Albert Roker, a porter from Andros, The Bahamas. She was raised in Brooklyn, New York.

Roker studied drama at Howard University under renowned drama teachers Anne Cooke Reid and Owen Dodson. Her classmates included novelist Toni Morrison and playwright Shauneille Perry, and she was part of the Howard Players, the university’s theater troupe. In 1949, Roker toured Norway with the group on a trip sponsored by the U.S. Department of State and supported by Eleanor Roosevelt.

Roker launched her career with the Negro Ensemble Company and became a distinguished stage actress, winning an Obie Award in 1974 and earning a Tony nomination for her role in The River Niger. In the 1970s, she worked as a reporter for WNEW-TV in New York and hosted a public affairs program called Inside Bed-Stuy.

Roker broke barriers in her role as Helen Willis on The Jeffersons, becoming part of the first interracial couple portrayed as regulars on prime-time television. She also appeared in various TV shows, including Punky Brewster, A Different World, Murder, She Wrote, and Fantasy Island, and had roles in Roots and the film Claudine. Additionally, she was an advocate for children, recognized for her community work in Los Angeles.

In 1962, Roker married television producer Sy Kravitz. Their interracial marriage paralleled her character on The Jeffersons. The couple had one son, Lenny Kravitz, and divorced in 1985. Roker was also a second cousin, once removed, of weather anchor Al Roker.