We all love a beautiful Black family. What can be even more incredible is providing a family bond for someone who may not be blood. Creating a family by choice and beyond biology is a selfless decision. While this happens in every community, we wanted to take a moment to spotlight 7 celebrities that have adopted, share why they adopted, and the impact on these families. Read on for more.
Viola Davis
Viola Davis and her husband, Julius Tennon, adopted their daughter Genesis Tennon in 2011. The couple adopted Genesis because they wanted to grow their family and provide a loving home for a child in need. Davis has openly shared that the adoption was planned and wanted and even had a meaning to the couple. The couple love their daughter to death. Becoming a mother through adoption has given Davis a deeper sense of purpose, meaning and joy. Adoption has also helped heal parts of Davis’s own childhood. Adoption has completed this family as stated by the couple. Adoption has also strengthened the couples bond as they learn to parent their daughter together. There is a strong sense of emotional growth, purpose, and unity to this family.
Steve Harvey
Steve Harvey, adopted his wife Marjorie Harvey’s children in 2007. Harvey legally adopted Marjorie’s children, Morgan, Jason, and the most famous, Lori Harvey, as a way to show his full commitment to them as their father. The adoption was about love, responsibility, and his commitment to making sure all the children of both Harvey and his wife felt equally supported and secure. Harvey has created a strong sense of unity and stability in this family. The children gained emotional security knowing that they were fully accepted and valued as his own equally like his biological children. Adoption has strengthened the trust, improved family bonds, and helped establish clear roles and commitment within this household. Adoption overall has helped turn a blended family into one closely connected, supportive unit that is built on love instead of just biology.
Al Roker
Al Roker, adopted his daughter Courtney Rockey, in 1987 as an infant. Roker adopted because he wanted to fully commit to being her father and make their family official. Courtney is the biological daughter of Roker’s first wife, Alice Bell, who had her from a previous relationship. This adoption has a meaningful lasting impact on the Roker family. By providing for Courtney, Roker provided her with stability, security, and the reassurance that she was fully loved and supported as his daughter. Adoption helped create a strong sense of belonging and family unity to this family. Adoption also made Courtney feel equal to Roker’s biological children. Roker spoke about how fatherhood deepened his sense of responsibility and purpose. Adoption overall helped create and shape an emotionally bonded supportive family.
Sean “Diddy” Combs
Sean Combs, adopted his son Quincy Brown in 1994. Diddy adopted Quincy Brown because he chose to fully step into the role of being Quincy’s father after he formed a long term relationship with Kim Porter, Quincy’s mother. Diddy helped raise Quincy from a very young age and became a consistent father figure in his life. Adoption had a sense of reinforced unity, stability, and unconditional love to this family. By adopting Quincy, Diddy affirmed that Quincy was fully and equally part of the Combs family. Adoption strengthened Quincy’s sense of belonging and security. Adoption helped create a close knit household where the children were raised together as siblings, supporting one another emotionally and growing up with shared values of loyalty and responsibility.
Snoop Dogg
Snoop Dogg, adopted his grandson, Kai Love, after Snoop’s son, Cordell Broadus faced personal challenges and needed support. Snooped stepped in to make sure his grandson had stability, consistency, and a secure home environment. Adoption helped Snoop ensure that Kai had a stable, loving, and secure home. Adoption strengthens Kai’s sense of safety and belonging. It also certified the family bond, showing that the family would always step up to support one another in times of need. Adoption also helped Snoop take an active role in raising Kai, providing guidance, mentorship, and emotional support. Adoption overall brought the family closer together.
Mentorship has long been a part of Snoop’s mission. His work with his football league is just one example of that.
Lionel Richie
Lionel Richie, adopted his daughter, Nicole Richie as a young child. Richie adopted Nicole because he wanted to give her a stable, loving home, and formally make her part of his family. Nicole was the biological daughter of his former manager, and Lionel had a close relationship with her from a young age. Adoption helped Lionel provide Nicole with stability, security, and a sense of belonging, strengthening her emotional foundation. Adoption also reinforced family bonds and showed that love and commitment define a family more than biology and blood. Adoption led to Nicole growing up with guidance and support from Lionel, which then helped shape her personal and professional life. Adoption overall brought the family closer together and created a nurturing and unified household.
Sherri Shepherd
Sherri Shepherd, adopted her son, Lamar Sally Jr, in 2015. Shepherd adopted her son because she wanted to become a mother and build a family. After multiple fertility failures and challenges, Lamar was born via surrogacy in 2014. Shepherd adopted Lamar to establish her role as his parent legally and make sure he had stability and security. By adopting Lamar, Shepherd was fully able to step into the role of motherhood. Shepherd has stated that motherhood has brought her a sense of purpose, joy, and emotional fulfilment, Adoption also provided Lamar with stability, security, and a loving home where he is deeply cherished. Overall adoption created a strong, loving family built on intention, care, and unconditional love.
