Oscar nominee Danielle Brooks was deeply moved upon learning that her ancestor, Dolphin, was part of the regiment that fought for the Union Army after gaining freedom from slavery. Brooks expressed a flurry of emotions, including empowerment and surprise, upon discovering this revelation on the genealogy show “Finding Your Roots.
Dolphin, born into slavery in Tennessee, faced daunting challenges on his journey to join the Union Army after gaining his freedom. His decision to fight for the cause that had granted him freedom lends credence to his courage and reflects the strong desire for liberty among many slaves during that era.
The host of “Finding Your Roots,” Henry Louis Gates Jr., reiterated Brooks’ sentiments, stressing the importance of Dolphin’s actions as stories of resilience, determination, and the relentless pursuit of freedom that must be shared.
Brooks’ family history reflects resilience and survival, as her maternal ancestors, Frazier and Susan Sharp, succeeded in maintaining their family unity amid the racial upheaval of the Civil War era, according to the show.
This legacy of strength and perseverance has positively influenced Brooks’s personal life and professional career.
Reflecting on her heritage, Brooks admitted, “It’s a reminder of where I come from and the incredible strength of my ancestors.”
Brooks, currently an Academy Award nominee for her performance in the musical film adaptation of “The Color Purple,” boasts an impressive array of accolades in her career.
She stands on the brink of achieving EGOT (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony) status as she earned nominations for Emmy Awards in 2021 and 2023, a Grammy Award in 2017 (she won) and a Tony Award in 2016.
Brooks’ ongoing success in the entertainment industry is complemented by her profound connection to her ancestor Dolphin, marking the resilience and determination ingrained in her heritage.
