

'Happy Land' was inspired by a real-life kingdom of formerly enslaved people
Apr 24, 2025
A heartfelt journey of self-discovery unfolds as Nikki travels to North Carolina, revealing her ties to the Kingdom of the Happy Land, a community of formerly enslaved people. The author, Dolen Perkins-Valdez, shares how this fascinating real-life history inspired her novel. The conversation dives into themes of identity, heritage, and resilience, exploring the significance of land and community. Discover the complexities of a forgotten kingdom and its impact on Nikki's understanding of her ancestry.
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Happy Land's Royalty Identity
- The Happy Land community called themselves royalty, which was highly unusual and imaginative.
- This claim sparked Dolen's interest in correcting myths and uncovering true histories.
Pandemic Banjo Research Leads Discovery
- Dolen Perkins-Valdez discovered the Happy Land community while researching banjo music during the pandemic.
- She found a 1957 local historian pamphlet that sparked her interest in this real-life Black kingdom in the Appalachians.
Land Ownership as Identity
- Owning land meant more than property; it symbolized belonging and identity for formerly enslaved people.
- The novel explores what it meant spiritually and emotionally to claim this land.