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March 26, 2025 53 mins

Marina Franklin talks with the first African American Rockette, Jennifer Jones and comedian Jenny Saldana. Jennifer Jones  shares her journey from a child to the first African American Rockette. Discover her inspiring story in 'Becoming Spectacular: The Rhythm of Resilience.'" #RockettesAnniversary #DreamBig

Meet Jennifer Jones, who has her new memoir: Becoming Spectacular :The Rhythm of Resilience from the First African American Rockette. Jennifer Jones is the pioneering first African American Radio City Music Hall Rockette! With her exceptional skills and infectious passion for dance, Jennifer has not only mesmerized audiences but also played a pivotal role in reshaping the performing arts landscape. Through grace and artistry, she has shattered barriers and championed diversity in what was once a monolithic industry.

Jennifer made her groundbreaking debut as a Rockette during Super Bowl XXII’s halftime show, showcasing unparalleled talent, precision, and poise that left spectators in awe. Her stellar performance on such a prestigious platform ignited inspiration and underscored the vital importance of authentic representation in entertainment.

Throughout her illustrious career, Jennifer’s captivating stage presence has won the hearts of audiences worldwide. Her unwavering commitment to her craft, combined with her natural talent, has garnered immense admiration from fans and colleagues alike. By boldly defying stereotypes, Jennifer serves as a guiding light for aspiring dancers, encouraging them to chase their dreams with determination and tenacity. In addition to her remarkable achievements in dance, Jennifer is a dedicated advocate for colorectal cancer awareness. As a survivor herself, she passionately raises awareness about this critical health issue, striving to ensure that discussions around cancer are inclusive and accessible to all.

In essence, Jennifer Jones’ journey as the first African American Radio City Music Hall Rockette is a testament to her talent, grit, and unwavering commitment to change. Her memorable Super Bowl performance has etched her name in dance history, inspiring countless individuals to embrace their talents fearlessly. Jennifer’s legacy transcends generations, leaving an indelible mark on the world of dance while serving as a beacon of progress, unity, and hope.

Jenny Saldana is a writer, actress, and stand-up comedian and a Breast Cancer Rock STAR and all around hotness. She wrote, produced and starred in Happy Cancer Chick, a web series inspired by her own battle with breast cancer. She appeared in HBO’s High Maintenance. Her video series, The Little Brown Girl Show can be found on Youtube and Facebook Live.

Always hosted by Marina Franklin - One Hour Comedy Special: Single Black Female ( Amazon Prime, CW Network), TBS's The Last O.G, Last Week Tonight with John Oliver, Hysterical on FX, The Movie Trainwreck, Louie Season V, The Jim Gaffigan Show, Conan O'Brien, Stephen Colbert, HBO's Crashing, and The Breaks with Michelle Wolf. Writer for HBO's 'Divorce' and the new Tracy Morgan show on Paramount Plus: 'Crutch'. 

 

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