Mahalia's Niece on the Gift, the Price, and What She's Here to Pass On | with Valerie Nero

Ericka Nicole Malone sits down with Valerie Nero, niece of the Queen of Gospel, Mahalia Jackson. They first met while Ericka was writing Remember Me: The Mahalia Jackson Story. Valerie shares what it was like to grow up in her aunt's house: the open door on Indiana Avenue, the family who came to visit every year, and the click of the Marcel iron when Mahalia did hair in the kitchen. She talks about the healing in Mahalia's music, and how one song could carry praise, pain, and release all at once. She also talks about what a gift like that costs, the jealousy it drew in love, and the day her aunt stood up for her in front of everyone. Then the conversation turns to Valerie's own bucket wish. She wants to go to Rome and to Africa, and she wants to answer her calling: "Aunties' Winning Wisdom," a space where young women can learn from someone who's lived it. As she puts it, "I'm not telling you what I heard. I'm telling you what I know." This episode is about legacy, family, and walking into the purpose that was laid out for you. Go out, live your dreams, and do something special just for you.