Robin Roberts Reacts to Newspaper Photo: ‘Hey, That’s My Mom’

ABC News

Imagine my surprise when I picked up the Washington Post this morning on the set of “ Good Morning America” and saw a picture of my beautiful 87-years-young mother with Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour smiling back up at me.

Rogelio V. Solis/AP Photo

I had known she was getting an award yesterday, but had no idea she would garner such national media attention.

The award my mom, Lucimarian Roberts, received is the Mississippi Medal of Service, which is given to Mississippians to honor their significant contributions to improve their communities and state.

This year, the award was given to 11 remarkable individuals, including blues legend B.B. King, U.S. Sen. Thad Cochran, Mississippi House Speaker Billy McCoy, among others.

My mama keeps some pretty good company.

Lucimarian Roberts – other than being an amazing mother – was Chairwoman of the Mississippi State Board of Education, and the first African American woman to serve in that position.

She’s worked with so many other important organizations and charities, including the Boys & Girls Clubs, NAACP, Salvation Army, Mississippi Children’s Rehab Center and Mission Initiative of Presbyterian Church-USA.

So proud of mom and all the other distinguished award recipients from yesterday.

Hope they’re celebrating Mississippi style!