Help NikkyWalks Protect His Heritage

Friends- Nik Walker here- I’m an actor, writer and educator, and ever since I was a kid, I’ve had no deeper dream, than to know exactly where (and who) I come from.

I never knew my father, nor my grandparents. I have a close nuclear family, but our larger roots have always remained a painful question mark. During my time in Broadway’s Hamilton, I was lucky to connect with the folks at the Family History Library. In the spirit of the musical, they gave me the gift of my own history, by starting me on a genealogical journey; as of today, I believe that I’ve found the identity of my maternal great great great grandfather’s enslaver, and the location of his plantation in Virginia. I’ve also made headway on the paternal side- my great x4 grandfather was a Wampanoag whaler, with a full island under his ownership.

I can’t tell you how much this info has meant to me, emotionally, spiritually and mentally; how good it feels, as the kid who never quite fit in, to start to feel like I belong. When it comes to tracing lineage, so many Black Americans are at a disadvantage- slave-owners didn’t keep great records, and the few records that have survived, are now in danger- recent news reports have made clear that the current administration wishes, or has already begun, to destroy African American genealogical records. Now more than ever, having access to those records is a privilege that not everyone is lucky enough to have.

So, as soon as possible, I wish to finish connecting the dots- connect with my indigenous community in New England, then go down South, pour through archives, visit the plantation in person- draw a line from my mom’s side of the family, back to Africa, or at the very least, try to find the port that brought us into this country.

This calling of mine is integral… and sadly, expensive. In my perfect world, I’d commit 3 to 4 months to this venture, hire genealogy detectives, grab hotels and flights, while also keeping my family fed and my bills paid. It’s no secret that art and artists are under the gun in 2025, and maintaining wellness as an artist, while also adding this necessary meaning to my life, has suddenly become that much harder. I love creating, and good art may in fact come from these efforts- but whatever the case, I refuse to step into this moment irresponsibly.

Anything you can contribute, no matter how small, will go a long way. I know times are tough, and I appreciate your support—whether that’s through a donation, a share, or sending best wishes.

At this very moment, so many people who look like me are getting barred from their own stories. I thank you for your investment in fighting against that terrible wave.

-Nik