The Niles Foundation

Family, Music, Community and Purpose

The Niles Foundation was founded by Shante Walker, the granddaughter of King Charles Mac Niles. King Charles Mac Niles, also known as "Calypso Mac Niles" or "King Mac Niles," was a talented Calypso musician born in St. Thomas, Virgin Islands. He had dreams of becoming the greatest Calypso musician in the United States. Niles was signed to Columbia Pictures and appeared in several films, including "Affair In Trinidad," "Calypso Heat Wave," and "Run for Your Life."

During Niles' time, fairness, diversity, and inclusion were almost invisible. However, Niles was highly sought after for his ability to speak eight fluent languages and his talent for singing and writing music, particularly songs in his father's native language, Igbo, a popular Nigerian language. Niles had high-profile friends and worked with well-known musicians like Desi Arnaz. He passed on his family's musical gifts to all of his offspring.

Shante, Niles' granddaughter, was born to his daughter, D.M. Niles. Like Niles, both Shante and her mother are musicians at heart and have performed throughout Los Angeles, making names for themselves in the music industry. However, Shante felt a calling to add philanthropic projects and milestones to her musical career, giving back to her communities and building equity.