The Genealogy of Tracee Ellis Ross: Uncovering the Remarkable Roots of her Famous Parents

Tracee Ellis Ross is one of Hollywood's most beloved actresses, known for her dynamic range on both the big and small screens. But did you know that her talent and charisma run in the family? The genealogy of Tracee Ellis Ross is a fascinating journey into the history of not only her famous parents but also the impressive ancestry that has shaped her identity.

Uncovering the remarkable roots of Diana Ross and Robert Ellis Silberstein is a journey through iconic moments in music history. From Motown to soul, their contributions to the industry are undeniable. But their personal stories are just as compelling - from Diana's rise to fame as a member of The Supremes to the enduring legacy of her work as a solo artist, and Robert's success as a record executive and songwriter. These two legends have left an indelible mark on entertainment, and their daughter has continued that tradition with her own remarkable career.

But the story of Tracee Ellis Ross isn't just about her parents - it's about the diverse backgrounds and cultures that have influenced her journey. With African American and Jewish heritage, Tracee has been an advocate for inclusivity and representation in Hollywood. Her ability to celebrate her unique identity while embracing different perspectives is a testament to the rich history of her ancestors, and an inspiration to those who follow in her footsteps.

If you're looking to understand the power of lineage and how it shapes who we are, the genealogy of Tracee Ellis Ross is a must-read. From her famous parents to her own trailblazing career, this journey through history is sure to captivate and inspire. Get ready to be amazed by the incredible individuals who have helped make Tracee the icon she is today.

The Genealogy of Tracee Ellis Ross: Uncovering the Remarkable Roots of her Famous Parents

'Black-ish' star Tracee Ellis Ross, who is widely recognized for her acting and fashion endeavors, originates from a highly acclaimed lineage. Her mother, Diana Ross, was one of the most celebrated singers worldwide, while her father, Robert Ellis Silberstein, was a renowned music executive. Tracee has always been curious about her genes, and it wasn't until recently that she pieced together her family's history.

Surprising Afro-European Ancestry

With the help of Henry Louis Gates Jr. on 'Finding Your Roots,' Tracee Ellis Ross discovered that her roots stem from Africa and Europe. Her DNA reports revealed that she primarily comes from West African regions such as Senegal and Ghana, which isn't a surprise given Diana Ross's interest in African culture. However, the most intriguing discovery was that Tracee's ancestry had significant European influence from countries such as England, Ireland, and Scotland.

A Strong Connection to Slavery Era

Tracee Ellis Ross also traced her enslaved ancestors from the American South, which left her feeling emotional about the past struggles of Black people in the U.S. The actress found out about her great-great-grandmother Amanda Muhammad, who was born into slavery in Alabama, and subsequently uncovered a more extensive history about enslaved individuals owned by Amanda's slave-owning white family.

Robert Ellis Silberstein's Jewish Roots

While most people know Diana Ross as the Queen of Motown, not much is known about Robert Ellis Silberstein. In comparison to Diana Ross's African American background, his ancestry presents another fascinating story. Tracee's father is of Jewish lineage and was born in Elberon, New Jersey. His parents were Russian Jewish, and his grandfather Mayer Silberstein emigrated from Russia to the U.S. in 1902.

Interesting Links to American Politics

With a plethora of political figures in her family history, Tracee's research uncovered some deep connections to American politics. For instance, her great-great-great-great grandfather was Peter Randolph, who worked as an overseer on Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello plantation. Another ancestor, James Spalding, was a congressman for Kentucky who worked with Henry Clay, an influential leader in the establishment of America as we know it today.

Mulatto Ancestry on Robert's Side

While Robert Ellis Silberstein's lineage is predominantly Jewish, he also has origins as a mixed-race person. The actress' findings indicated that Robert's mother, Betty Baskin, was born to a white mother and a Black father named John Baskin, giving him the 'mulatto' identity in the 1800s. Moreover, it brought to light that Betty was subject to discrimination from both sides of her family because of her mixed-race identity.

A Family Connected to the Arts

Tracee Ellis Ross's family is undoubtedly a creative one, with Diana Ross as a music icon and Robert Ellis Silberstein as a music executive, music runs deep in their veins. On top of that, the actress discovered a legacy of Black musicians in her family tree, such as her maternal great aunt, jazz vocalist Tasha Reid, who worked alongside Miles Davis, Billy Eckstine, and Cab Calloway. Tracee also learned about her paternal grandfather's involvement in the entertainment industry as a theater owner and a booker for vaudeville acts in New York City's Harlem neighborhood.

Grandmother Who Pursued Justice

Tracee Ellis Ross's grandfather and grandmother make up an impressive power couple. Her grandfather, Milton A. Greene gained recognition for his photography career that spanned for more than two decades, in which he became Marilyn Monroe's personal photographer. But, what's more fascinating is the story of her grandmother, Vivian Avadon. Avadon was an attorney who stood up for the underprivileged, and at some point, she represented Texan farmworkers against contractors who exploited them for labor.

Honoring Her Roots on 'Black-ish'

Tracee Ellis Ross has used her childhood experiences, coupled with her recent genealogy discovery, to bring forth awareness of the African American experience through the sitcom 'Black-ish.' The show empowers the Black community by bringing their struggles to the forefront and showcasing the vibrancy of their culture. Tracee's character, Dr. Rainbow Johnson, represents the intersection of Black and mixed heritage experience, hence giving insight into the complexity of race in the United States.

Final Thoughts

Tracee Ellis Ross's journey of unearthing her family tree has brought immense pride and insight into just how remarkable her lineage is. From slave ancestors on one side to Jewish relatives on the other, the actress' identity represents an amalgamation of cultures and ethnicities. Her show 'Black-ish' provides a platform that demonstrates the richness of the African American experience, and it is with people like her that some stereotypes can finally atrophy - leaving room for openness, diversity, and inclusion for everyone.

Dear readers,

Thank you for taking the time to read about The Genealogy of Tracee Ellis Ross: Uncovering the Remarkable Roots of her Famous Parents. We hope that this article has provided you with an interesting perspective on the ancestry of one of the most renowned actresses in Hollywood.

Through our research, we discovered the fascinating stories of Diana Ross and Robert Ellis Silberstein's families. From humble beginnings in the South to successful careers in music and business, these families have left an indelible mark on American history. We were particularly struck by the resilience and determination of both families, who overcame many obstacles to achieve success.

Overall, we believe that learning about one's ancestry is a valuable experience that can help us better understand our past and present. We hope that this article has encouraged you to explore your own genealogy and discover the remarkable stories hidden within your family tree.

Thank you again for joining us on this journey of discovery. We look forward to sharing more insightful articles with you in the future.

People also ask about the Genealogy of Tracee Ellis Ross:

1. Who are Tracee Ellis Ross's famous parents?

Tracee Ellis Ross's parents are Diana Ross, a legendary singer and actress, and Robert Ellis Silberstein, a music executive.

2. What is Tracee Ellis Ross's ethnicity?

Tracee Ellis Ross is of mixed ethnicity. Her mother, Diana Ross, is African American, and her father, Robert Ellis Silberstein, is Jewish.

3. What is the genealogy of Tracee Ellis Ross?

The genealogy of Tracee Ellis Ross includes African American ancestry from her mother's side and Jewish ancestry from her father's side.

4. Has Tracee Ellis Ross traced her ancestry?

Yes, Tracee Ellis Ross has traced her ancestry through genetic testing and research. She has discovered her African American roots in Ghana and her Jewish roots in Eastern Europe.

5. What is the significance of Tracee Ellis Ross's genealogy?

Tracee Ellis Ross's genealogy is significant because it represents the diversity and richness of her heritage. It also highlights the importance of preserving and celebrating cultural traditions and identities.