Unveiling Hidden Heritage: Celebrities Embrace Their Black Roots in a Changing Cultural Landscape
NEW YORK — The intricate tapestry of Black heritage continues to surprise and inspire as a growing number of celebrities publicly acknowledge their Black roots, revealing a diversity that often defies common perceptions. This cultural revelation comes amid ongoing discussions about race, identity, and history in America, where the legacy of the “one-drop rule” and Jim Crow laws still echo in social attitudes despite their legal disuse.
Among the most unexpected figures to reveal Black ancestry is Pope Leo XIV, whose maternal grandfather was Haitian and grandmother Creole from New Orleans. This lineage was confirmed by his brother John Prevost, who spoke about their mixed-race heritage in an interview with CBS News’ Gayle King. The Pope’s Haitian-born grandfather, Joseph Martinez, and New Orleans native grandmother, Louise Baquié, were Black property owners, illustrating the deep and often overlooked roots of Black heritage in influential families.
In the entertainment industry, singer Halsey has openly discussed her biracial identity, describing herself as “white-passing” but identifying as a Black woman. She reflects on the complexities of navigating cultural identity, highlighting the nuanced experiences of those with mixed heritage. Similarly, Grammy-winning artist Tori Kelly embraces her Afro-Latina background, with a father of Jamaican and Puerto Rican descent and a mother of Irish and German ancestry.
Other public figures like NBA legend Jason Kidd and actor Wentworth Miller have shared their experiences growing up with mixed-race identities. Kidd credits his parents for shielding him from racism and emphasizing the importance of seeing people beyond skin color. Miller, known for his role in “Prison Break,” has spoken candidly about the challenges of defining oneself amid societal stereotypes.
Musicians such as Pete Wentz of Fall Out Boy and Guns N’ Roses guitarist Slash also embody this diversity. Wentz’s mother is half-Black, and he recalls growing up in predominantly white neighborhoods, which shaped his sense of self. Slash has described the complexities of being a Black British rock musician, noting that his racial background was less a defining factor in his music career than in his school years.
Actress and director Rebecca Hall has explored themes of racial identity and “passing”—the practice of light-skinned Black individuals presenting as white—in her film work, drawing on her own family history that includes Black and Native American roots. Victoria’s Secret model Adriana Lima identifies as Afro-Brazilian, reflecting the rich multicultural heritage common in Brazil, where African, Indigenous, and European ancestries intertwine.
These revelations come at a time when America continues to grapple with the meaning of race and identity. The U.S. Census Bureau recognizes the complexity of racial and ethnic identity, allowing individuals to self-identify across multiple categories. Meanwhile, organizations like the NAACP advocate for a broader understanding of Black identity that encompasses culture, history, and lived experience beyond mere ancestry.
The acknowledgment of Black heritage by prominent figures not only challenges outdated racial classifications but also highlights the evolving narrative of what it means to be Black in America and beyond. As society moves toward greater inclusivity, these stories contribute to a richer understanding of identity that honors both individual journeys and collective history.
For more information on racial identity and heritage, the National Institutes of Health Office of Minority Health Research provides resources and studies on the impact of race and ethnicity on health and social outcomes. Additionally, the Library of Congress African American Perspectives Collection offers extensive historical materials that document the diverse experiences of Black Americans throughout history.
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