Morgan Radford, co-anchor of NBC News Daily, has embraced motherhood for the second time following the birth of her daughter, Marcelena Adelola, affectionately known as Lola. The joyful arrival took place on 20 May in Atlanta, surrounded by the support of family and friends.
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Marcelena’s name carries significant cultural meaning, reflecting her mother’s Jamaican and Cuban heritage alongside her father’s Nigerian roots. Radford has expressed her delight at welcoming a new addition to her family and shared how her eldest daughter, Lana, is eager to form a bond with her baby sister.
In a statement to PEOPLE magazine, Radford confirmed the details of her daughter’s birth. Lola arrived weighing 8 lbs. 2 oz. and measuring 20 ¼ inches long. The 38-year-old journalist emphasised the importance of her choice to give birth in Atlanta, underlining her desire to be close to family and medical professionals who understand the challenges faced by Black women during childbirth. “My birth was exceptional,” she recounted, highlighting the pressing issue of maternal mortality among Black women in the United States.
Grateful for the care she received, Radford praised Dr. Sarah Rose Lane and her team at Northside Hospital. “They made me feel like a superhero as I pushed for over an hour to bring my second angel into this beautiful world,” she stated, reflecting on the empowering experience of childbirth.
The process of selecting her daughter’s name holds personal significance for Radford. During her research for her first novel, *Now Then*, which was released shortly before Lola’s birth, she discovered the name Marcelena in her father’s family documents. This name not only connects her to her ancestry but also aligns with a rich heritage of culture and tradition. She explained that Marcelena was referenced in her family’s papers, discovering that the name belonged to the daughter of a Spanish Jew who migrated from Jamaica and Cuba.
Adding another layer of significance, Radford noted that Marcelena was born on Cuba’s Independence Day. Furthermore, the name “Adelola” translates to “the crown brings honour and wealth” in Yoruba, a language spoken by her husband David Williams’ family in Nigeria. This choice reflects the couple’s intention to pass on meaningful cultural legacies.
In addition to her new role as a mother of two, Radford continues her career as a journalist and author. She expressed her joy at observing the growing relationship between her daughters. “I love seeing them interact. I am feeling better than ever!” she remarked. The excitement displayed by her three-year-old, Lana, upon meeting her baby sister was particularly heartwarming for Radford: “The pure excitement I saw on Lana’s face when she entered the hospital room, jumping up and down to see ‘her baby,’ was so affirming and beautiful.”
As Radford reflects on this life-changing moment, she described it as a “core memory that will be etched into my brain and heart forever,” conveying her immense gratitude for her growing family. With little Lola now in their lives, Radford’s family is experiencing profound joy, and she is keen to cherish every moment of this new chapter.
Overall, Morgan Radford’s birth story is a testament to the beauty of family, cultural heritage, and the bonds that deepen with the arrival of a new child. As she navigates motherhood alongside her professional commitments, the support of her family and the joy of her daughters will remain at the forefront of her journey.