Pittsburgh rapper Wiz Khalifa appeared on an upcoming episode of PBS's 'Finding Your Roots,' where he discovered details about his family's journey to western Pennsylvania during the Great Migration. Host Henry Louis Gates Jr. revealed that Khalifa's grandfather and family settled in Pittsburgh's Hill district in 1955. The episode, titled 'Great Migrations,' premieres Tuesday evening.
In an exclusive preview clip shared by Billboard, Wiz Khalifa sits down with renowned historian Henry Louis Gates Jr. for the PBS series 'Finding Your Roots.' The episode uncovers how Khalifa's grandfather, Willie Wimbush Jr., and his family migrated from the South to Pittsburgh in 1955 as part of the Great Migration—a period from roughly 1910 to 1970 when millions of Black Americans moved northward seeking better opportunities.
Upon arriving in Pennsylvania, the family chose to settle in Pittsburgh's Hill district, a historically predominantly Black neighborhood. Hearing this revelation for the first time, Khalifa expressed pride in his ancestor's determination. "It’s really good to learn it," he said. "Just to know… just to feel Papa Bush’s ambition through his story. That’s what I could feel."
Titled "Great Migrations," the episode also features actress Sanaa Lathan and marks part of the 12th season of the show, which launched recently. It will air at 8 p.m. ET on PBS, PBS.org, the PBS App, and the PBS Documentaries Prime Video Channel. The season includes other notable guests such as musicians Lizzo, Red Hot Chili Peppers’ Flea, and Darren Criss, alongside figures like Spike Lee and Brittney Griner.
Khalifa, a Pittsburgh native and rap superstar, brings a personal connection to the story, highlighting themes of ancestry and resilience in American history.
