THE MAHALIA JACKSON STORY

R&B recording artist Ledisi (Selma, American Soul) is set to play legendary gospel singer Mahalia Jackson in the biopic, Remember Me: The Mahalia Jackson Story. Columbus Short (ABC’s Scandal,Stomp the Yard) will take on the role of Martin Luther King Jr., a close friend of Jackson’s. Janet Hubert (The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air) and Wendy Raquel Robinson (The Walking Dead, The Steve Harvey Show) also co-star.

Named after one of Jackson’s signature songs, Remember Me, the film, set during the tumultuous period between 1956 and 1963, will chronicle the successful career of Jackson as well as her unique friendship and devotion to Martin Luther King Jr. and her unsung contribution to the Civil Rights Movement. Also referred to as the Queen of Gospel, Jackson was pivotal in the encouragement and inspiration of MLK’s famous I Have A Dream speech. She often accompanied King to perform at rallies and events and became the silent voice behind the great activist and civic leader.

SOURCE: DEADLINE