Wisdom With Ericka Nicole Malone and Valerie Nero

In this moving episode of *The Bucket Wish*, host Ericka Nicole Malone sits down with minister, entrepreneur, author, and motivational speaker **Valerie Nero**—niece of the iconic gospel legend and civil rights figure Mahalia Jackson. What began as a documentary has turned into a movement to help you uncover parts of yourself you never knew existed. In this conversation, Ericka and Valerie explore what it was truly like behind the scenes with "Aunt Mahalia"—from childhood memories of playing in her closet and getting Shirley Temple curls, to watching a cultural giant navigate church, business, and her historic connection to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Valerie opens up about carrying her family’s legacy, navigating deep personal grief and loss, finding strength through prayer and community, and launching her own mission to pass down "front porch wisdom" to the next generation through her upcoming podcast, *Auntie's Winning Wisdom*. Tune in for an inspiring, soul-stirring conversation about resilience, discernment, and honoring the strength of the women who came before us. --- **In This Episode, You’ll Hear:** * **Life with a Legend:** Intimate childhood memories of Mahalia Jackson at home—her love for children, her hair styling, her famous wig collection, and her apartment on Chicago's Michigan Avenue. * **Business & Discernment:** The vital life lessons Mahalia passed down about protecting your business, staying mindful of people's motives, and remaining humble. * **A Historical Moment:** The story behind Mahalia’s connection to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and her vocal encouragement during the March on Washington. * **Overcoming Life's Darkest Valleys:** How Valerie leaned on faith, family DNA, and prayer to navigate the loss of her brother, family strain, and the isolation of the COVID pandemic. * **Passing the Torch:** Valerie’s passion for uplifting young women through community, mentorship, and "front porch" wisdom.