With the recent release of Walter Isaacson's bestselling biography, <em><strong><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Steve-Jobs-Walter-Isaacson/dp/1451648537/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1320155709&sr=1-1" target="_blank">Steve Jobs</a></strong></em> (Simon & Schuster; $35), a public fascinated by the mind and habits of the deceased icon got a candid glimpse into a life that not only included history-making innovation, but a challenging entrance in to the world. Jobs, the man behind the <strong>Mac</strong>, the <strong>iPod</strong>, the <strong>iPhone</strong>, the <strong>iPad</strong> and the motion picture studio <strong>Pixar</strong>, was an orphan, adopted at birth by a California couple who subsequently raised him. Jobs is not alone. He is among several celebrities who have been either adopted or raised in the foster care system. Take a look at 10 notable African Americans who overcame childhood challenges to become greats in their respective industries. <em>—Janell Hazelwood</em>
<strong>VICTORIA ROWELL:</strong> Known for her role as Drucilla Winters on the Emmy award-winning <strong><em>The Young & Restless,</em></strong> Rowell had a childhood filled with many challenges, ultimately leading to her, along with her siblings, being surrendered to Child Services. Rowell was only 16 days old. She grew up in the foster care system, raised for 18 years by a varied network of women who she details in her memoir, <strong><em><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Women-Who-Raised-Me-Memoir/dp/B002ECEFEY/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1320156034&sr=1-1" target="_blank">The Women Who Raised Me</a></em></strong> (William Morrow; $26). A staunch advocate of support services, awareness, and rights of foster and adopted children, Rowell is founder of Rowell Foster Children's Positive Plan (RFCPP), a program that enriches foster children through art and athletics.
<strong>TONY SHELLMAN</strong>: As an infant, the co-founder of popular clothing lines <strong>ENYCE</strong> and <strong>Mecca</strong>, was left in the care of Catholic Charities because his parents felt they could not adequately provide for him. In December 1968, Shellman was adopted, and in 2007, after success with the urbanwear brands, launched <strong>Parish Clothing</strong>, a contemporary menswear line. Despite his upbringing, Shellman has made his mark on the industry as a fashion, marketing and culture trendsetter.
<strong>ICE-T</strong>: Born Tracy Marrow, this gangsta rapper-turned-actor lost both of his parents by the age of 12. As a result, he was informally adopted by several of his family members until he was 17. Marrow would later make his mark in the music industry as one of the forefathers of gangsta rap, and went on to land a breakout acting role in the cult classic <strong><em>New Jack City,</em></strong> ultimately finding long-lasting success starring in the popular crime drama, <strong><em>Law & Order: SVU</em></strong>.
<strong>EDDIE MURPHY</strong>: As a child, Murphy—along with his brother, actor/comedian <strong>Charlie Murphy</strong> of <strong><em>Chappelle's Show</em></strong> fame—spent a year in foster care after his birth mother became ill. The comedian, actor, and producer has said in interviews that his time in foster care inspired much of his comedic foundation. Gaining his big break as a cast member on the popular sketch comedy show <strong><em>Saturday Night Live</em></strong>, Murphy would go on to be nominated for an Academy Award for his role in <strong><em>Dreamgirls</em></strong>, as well as star in dozens of blockbuster films, including the <strong><em>Beverly Hills Cop, Dr. Dolittle</em></strong> and <strong><em>The Nutty Professor </em></strong><em>franchises</em><em>.</em>
<strong>JAMIE FOXX</strong>: Academy and Golden Globe award-winning actor, in-demand comedian, successful music artist, hilarious <strong>SeriusFX</strong> radio host… Adoptee. Foxx, known for his start on the hit '90s comedy show, <strong><em>In Living Color</em></strong>, was adopted as an infant and raised by his mother's adoptive parents. He credits them for encouraging him and contributing to much of his current success.
<strong>ALONZO MOURNING</strong>: This NBA superstar, who played for the <strong>Charlotte Hornets</strong>, <strong>New Jersey Nets</strong> and <strong>Miami Heat</strong>, was in foster care from the age of 13 to 18. He publicly credits his first foster mother with encouraging him to do his best and leading him to become the man he is today. Mourning has been an adoption advocate and philanthropist supporting resources and services for children nationwide through <strong>Alonzo Mourning Charities</strong>.
<strong>TOMMY DAVIDSON</strong>: Adopted at the age of 2, Davidson grew up in an interracial household headed by a White couple. He'd go on to comedic and acting success as a cast member on <strong><em>In Living Color</em></strong> and <em>The Proud Family</em>, and with roles in films including the <strong><em>Ace Ventura </em></strong><em>franchise</em> and <strong><em>Juwanna Man.</em></strong>
<strong>REV. JESSE JACKSON</strong>: An activist, political leader, and minister, Jackson was born Jesse Louis Burns to a teenage mother, who would later remarry. Jackson would go on to be officially adopted by his stepfather and take on the Jackson surname. He would later become a major figure in the Civil Rights Movement, run for president (twice), and founded the <strong>Rainbow/PUSH Coalition</strong>, a religious and social development organization.
<strong>GARY COLEMAN</strong>: Before becoming a prominent child star, playing adoptee Arnold on the hit sitcom <strong><em>Diff'rent Strokes,</em></strong> Coleman knew a thing or two about it in real life, having grown up with adopted parents since birth. He would go on to appear in many hit TV series, from <strong><em>Martin</em></strong> to <strong><em>The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air</em></strong>, and then on to reality TV fame as a cast member on <strong><em>The Surreal Life 2</em></strong>. He even ran for governor of California in 2003, and placed 8th in a field of 185 candidates during the infamous recall election. Though he suffered from an autoimmune kidney disease that stunted his growth, and would later die from complications of it, Coleman is one of the most well-known figures in pop culture, spanning generations.
<strong>NELSON MANDELA</strong>: Before becoming one of the most prolific figures in African history—and the first South African president to be elected in a fully representative democratic election—Mandela was an adoptee. Upon his birth father's death, Mandela was adopted as a young child by a tribal chief in his native East Cape Province, South Africa. After his adopted father died, he was again adopted, at the age of 9, by a tribal official and would grow up under his parenting until his late teens.
I am very astonished to be informed about the 10 successful foster adoptees. I am a foster child myself, but I am considered to be independent now.
I am a strong survivor and an advocate for The Division of Children and Family Services (DYFS). I have been in DYFS custody for six years now after my case reopened in 2005. Being in the DYFS system has put me through trials and tribulations but I have overcome every obstacle. I stand assertively when it comes to being criticized and mistreated just because I am in the system. DYFS has supported me with food vouchers, transportation and clothing checks, which has been such an advantage in my life. I am truly thankful for this. But DYFS can improve their policies tremendously.
http://blackenterprise.com Janell Hazelwood
Hi Ms. Oliver. We are happy to hear that you were inspired and that you’re doing well. Remain positive and may God bless you. Thanks again for being a supporter of BlackEnterprise.com.
Sherry Bailey
I’am encouraged by the 10 successful foster adoptees, because it shows what support,hard work and a consistant loving adult can do to inspire a child.I’am the President & CEO of i.c.a.STAR.n.u. Mentoring/ Tutoring Services and we provide these services for foster children through Child and Family Services(CFSA)of Washington DC,and have done so for over 13 years.WE need help because they are ending these successful relationships between foster children and their mentors. For lack of concern for our children,and miss use of funds on they’re part.Please pray for our foster children they need your help NOW.
Lizzie
I am very happy to see former foster children and adopted children having great success. I am a former foster child also. I consider my life going pretty well for where I started. This is not the case many times, however.
We need more families for foster children who are sincere and encouraging. Many times my foster parents cut corners not only with money but also with love and time. Thank goodness I had few others who encouraged me and spent the time my foster parents did not. If anyone has a chance to give love and share with an at risk youth- please do so! Former foster children and at risk youth are always in my thoughts and prayers. They will always have a special place in my heart.
Paula J. McGill
Great article. Steve Jobs and these successful adoptees should encourage families to adopt those children who are in foster care.
Now, if only the states could come into the 21st century and allow adult adoptees to obtain their original birth certificates, find their birth families, and learn their family medical histories. This is a public health issue that is not discussed. States, such as New York, are still in the dark ages as far as letting adults know who they are. This part of the adoption story is an utter disgrace. So many birth mothers would be happy to learn of the successes of their birth children. Many of these young mothers were threatened with arrest should they contact their birth children. Others were lied to by the states about the ability of their children to obtain their true identities when they turned 18.
Now, with the disclosure of so many successful adoptees, the states need to open the adoption records of those who want a reunion with their second families.
renda extra
Thanks for every other wonderful article. Where else may just anyone get that type of information in such an ideal manner of writing? I have a presentation next week, and I am on the search for such information.
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10 Successful Adoptees & Foster Kids Besides Steve Jobs
