Eight-year-old Detroiter Rosie White goes viral for impersonations of Black icons, historical figures

Mar 1, 2024

An eight-year-old Detroit girl and her family have gained national attention for their videos celebrating Black icons. Robyn McKee, known to her online followers as Rosie White, creates videos impersonating well-known Black historical figures like Harriet Tubman and Malcolm X, and icons such as Tina Turner, Michael Jackson and Stevie Wonder. Her mother Kenya White and older sister A’Blesyn Davis, are also involved in making the videos. It started with Rosie’s impersonation of Rosa Parks, a video that gained over 500,000 views online.

Inspired by a Black History Month assignment on Rosa Parks, Rosie’s journey began when she was just three years old. She memorized what was read to her about Rosa Parks. Soon after, her mother decided it was time for the world to see Rosie’s talents. Rosie has captured the attention of millions online, including celebrities such as Oprah Winfrey, Whoopi Goldberg and Michelle Obama. After reenacting a dinner scene from “The Color Purple,” Rosie and her family were invited to walk the purple carpet for the 2023 remake of the movie.

One Detroit contributor Daijah Moss joined Rosie and her family at their home to talk about the inspiration behind making videos celebrating Black history.

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