1.
Robin Roberts: The
Epitome of Resilience
By Marcus Van Diver

2.
Claims to Fame!
- Co-Anchor on ABC’s “Good Morning America!” (Most watched
Morning program in the Country!)
- Infamous Sportscaster for the WNBA on ESPN, “Sunday
Sportsday”, NFL Primetime, ESPN Wide World of Sports, etc.
- Former reporter for ABC News
- FIRST EVER African-American broadcaster hired by ESPN
- Proud LGBT Advocate as a Gay Woman

3.
Robin’s Upbringing
- Born in Pass Christian,
Mississippi on November
23, 1960 to Lawrence E.
Roberts and Lucimarian
Roberts-Tolliver.
- Grew up with two sisters
and one brother: Lawrence
Jr., Dorothy and Mary-Ann
Roberts.
“I had a Father and a Mother who were the first to do
this and the first to do that, so I figured, well, shoot, I
guess I could be a Physicist on the weekend!”
- Robin Roberts to Sports Illustrated

4.
The Inspiration Behind the Occupation...
Sally-Ann Roberts
- Univ. of Southern Mississippi
Grad (Major in Communications)
- News Anchor for WWL-TV in
New Orleans, LA
- Robin was drawn to
Broadcasting by her sister!

5.
Robin’s Time as a Lady Lion!
Other than obtaining a Bachelor’s
Degree in Communications and
graduating Cum Laude at SLU, Robin
Roberts Excelled at Basketball on the
Collegiate Level!
- Roberts is the Third All-Time
Rebounder and Scorer at her
school!
“My coaches taught me that talk is for dreams,
but when you write it down, it becomes a goal.”

6.
The Growing Profession!
Soon after leaving SLU, Robin filled the role as a local sportscaster for two years
in Hattiesburg, Mississippi in ‘82.
- Only earned a mere $5.50 an Hour for the sportscaster, but soon moved to
Biloxi, Mississippi and Nashville, TN for the same occupation.
- Throughout this long journey, ESPN Finally noticed...and Robin declined at
first!
- Respectful decline due to lack of experience in a larger market, needed the

7.
Robin Makes History!
By signing with ESPN, Robin became the first African American Anchorwoman
hired in this position.
- Gained a sense of popularity with viewers from the large amount of events
that she covered on “SC”
- Commentary/play-by-play analysis on NCAA Tournaments (Men and
Women)
- Winter and Summer Olympics
- Ladies’ Pro-Golfing Championships
- NFL/NBA Draft Coverage and Analysis

8.
Robin’s Optimism: Reliving Katrina/Cancer
and MDS Survival
A.In 2005, Robin made the transition into Non-sports news for the first time
with ABC, due to the events of Hurricane Katrina. The impact of the storm
was severe, as it levelled her old high school. Moreover, her family was still
in Mississippi, where Pass Christian was hit the hardest.

9.
Robin’s Optimism: Reliving Katrina/Cancer
and MDS Survival
B. Another event to happen to Robin circled around her bout with Breast cancer
in 2008, cure and eventual diagnosis of a disease called myelodysplastic
syndrome (Blood and Bone Marrow disorder) Both times, she took leaves of
absence from GMA and recovered, all with the help and support of her family and
fans.
- In her diagnosis of MDS in 2013, Her sister proved to be a direct match for
the Morning host in Bone Marrow, and throughout the entire time, was able
to stay positive and resilient. (Two characteristics bestowed upon her by her
parents!)

10.
So...What is Her Legacy???
To All:
- As the First African-American commentator ever hired by ESPN (Male and
Female), Roberts has proved herself as a pioneer and advocate for those
who have the same dream and desire for equality in the broadcasting
booths. She would prove as a trailblazer for the sporting world’s most
famous voices, such as Mike Tirico, Gus Johnson and the late, great Stuart
Scott. Her drive and persistence was acquired in her childhood from her
Mother and Father, whom in which were two individuals who were not afraid
to stand up for change in order to achieve equality and greatness. This is
found in every dialogue and story she does on ABC’s morning show, as she
displays an impeccable style of presentation and fluency in any topic
imaginable!

11.
Legacy (Cont’)
To Me: For someone who has a desire to pursue a career in sports television
broadcasting, Robin has been the direct source of inspiration for as long as I can
remember. I am a firm believer in the fact that Sport has the power to unite and
change the world for the better. Raw emotions, such as joy, anger, sadness, etc.
evoked by the awe-inspiring moments in any sport can create a variety of
memories that fans never forget. Additionally, Seeing someone who displayed
the same amount of passion and desire to convey the world’s most salient
topics to their audience only inspires me to pursue the career objective that I
have dreamed of having ever since I was a child.

12.
Thank You!!!
“I really believe you can learn so
many things from athletics other
than how to become a
professional athlete. The
intangibles learned in athletics
can help anyone be successful in
any line of work.”
- Robin Roberts
http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/v
ideo/alma-mater-honors-robin-
roberts-12856364

13.
Works Cited
Chestang, Raphael. "Robin Roberts Remembers the Night She Almost Died."
Entertainment Tonight. CBS Television Distribution, 8 May 2015. Web. 04 May 2016.
Jeffries, Tamara. "Sisters Strong." Essence.com. Essence Communications Inc., 30 Aug.
2014. Web. 04 May 2016.
Johnson, Anne. "Roberts, Robin 1960–." Encyclopedia.com. HighBeam Research, 01 Jan.
1998. Web. 04 May 2016.
Kent, Milton. "'Passion to Play' Is Labor of Love for ABC's Women." The Baltimore Sun. The
Baltimore Sun, 06 Oct. 1994. Web. 04 May 2016.
"Roberts, Robin." Facts on File American History Online. Infobase Learning, n.d. Web. 04
May 2016.