There’s so much hoopla these days about identity in America. Black president? Scream! White fashion editor at Essence magazine? Scream! We’ve decided to give you a snapshot of diversity that transcends “black” and “white”: a list of celebs who practice varied religions. Here’s to celebrating difference—and the joys of humankind. Check out our list and let us know in the comments section if there are any celebs or religions you’d love to add.
Drake – Judaism
The Canadian rapper has a father based in Mississippi and a mom based in Canada. While Drake spent summers with his father, he was raised by his Jewish mom. Makes sense that he had a Bar Mitzvah in his teenage years and continues to identify with Judaism.
Madonna – Kabbalah
The Material Girl sure meant it when she sang the ‘80s hit song, “Papa Don’t Preach,” because she isn’t following her Italian American father’s religion. She’s the posterchild for the Kabbalah religion.
Jermaine Jackson – Islam
Though the Jacksons grew up in a Jehovah’s Witness household, Jermaine Jackson converted to Islam in 1989 after a trip to Bahrain.
Tiger Woods – Buddhism
Tiger Woods had been involved in sex scandal throughout the year, but at his post-scandal press conference, Tiger Woods remarked how his actions had betrayed what he’d been taught as the son of a Buddhist mother.
Brian McKnight – 7th Day Adventism
Brian McKnight practices Seventh-Day Adventism. Even in his earlier years, he attended Oakwood University, a Seventh-Day Adventist university, in Huntsville, Alabama.
Tina Turner – Buddhism
The singer Tina Turner is one of Buddhism’s most high profile followers. In the 1993 movie “What’s Love Got to Do with It”, an autobiographical film about Turner’s rise to stardom and her relationship with her abusive husband, she chanted the Buddhist Nam Myoho Renge Kyo mantra.
Akon – Islam
Akon’s full name is Aliaune Badara Akon Thiam. He’s a Senegalese-American celebrity who practices Islam.
Venus & Serena Williams – Jehovah’s Witness
Serena Williams told reporters at Wimbledon in 2008 that she was excited about Barack Obama’s candidacy but won’t vote for him because Jehovah’s Witnesses “don’t get involved in politics.” Her sister Venus—who is also a Jehovah’s Witness—wouldn’t even comment on the presidential election.
Rachel Roy – 7th Day Adventism
Rachel Roy’s Indian father who was raised Seventh-Day Adventist passed down some of his religious values to her.
Christina Aguilera – Catholic
Now married to her Jewish husband, Jordan Bratman, the Marvelous Madame Christina was actually raised Catholic.
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