Della Reese: The Truth About Her Native American Heritage

Many Americans, regardless of their racial background, can trace some degree of Native American ancestry in their family trees. This intermarriage has been ongoing for over 600 years, making it a part of the complex tapestry of American history. One such figure who often spoke of her Native American heritage was Della Reese, a renowned Black Hollywood legend. Let's delve into the truth behind her Native American roots and explore the historical context that shaped her identity.

Who Was Della Reese?

Della Reese (born Delloreese Patricia Early on July 6, 1931) was not only a brilliant actress and singer but also a respected television personality and ordained minister. Her multifaceted career spanned various fields within the entertainment industry, and she was well-known for her powerful and soulful voice. Della Reese's pride in her Native American heritage was evident in her personal life and public appearances.

Understanding Della Reese's Native American Ancestry

According to historical records, Della Reese's mother, Nellie Mitchelle Early, was a member of the Cherokee Nation. Nellie Mitchelle was a cook, and her Native American heritage was often something Della Reese spoke about with pride. However, it's important to understand that Native American ancestry can be a complex and often mythologized topic in American society.

Many individuals claim ties to Native American heritage, often based on myth or folklore rather than documented evidence. In Della Reese's case, the claim that she was part Native American through her mother is widely accepted, but the specifics of her heritage have been the subject of some scrutiny and analysis.

Historical Context and Demographics

The history of Native American ancestry in black families is a mix of reality and myth. Historically, intermarriages between Native Americans and other ethnic groups like Europeans and Africans have occurred over the centuries. However, the reality of such connections can be complex and often misunderstood.

In the case of the Cherokee Nation, especially in the southeastern United States, it is rare to find a significant number of black descendants. According to historical records and anthropological research, most individuals claiming Cherokee ancestry are often of very low degree and do not impact their phenotype. The majority of those claiming Cherokee heritage today are white-identifying and have very low percentages of Cherokee blood.

During the mid-19th century, the Cherokee Removal Act (Trail of Tears) led to significant population shifts. For African Americans of Cherokee descent, the decision to move with the tribe or remain in the southeastern United States was a stark choice influenced by the dire realities of racial segregation and hostility in the region.

After the removal, very few black-identifying families remained behind. Most of the black-Cherokee population that stayed behind moved to Indian Territory, now Oklahoma, with their Cherokee kin. This demographic shift is a critical factor in understanding the historical context of Della Reese's Native American heritage.

Evidence and Documentation

The claim that Della Reese's mother Nellie Mitchelle Early was of Cherokee descent is supported by several pieces of documentation. According to Nellie Mitchelle's Social Security Death Certificate, her parents were Thomas Mitchell and Susie Granderson. Historical records confirmed that both Thomas and Susie were listed as Black, indicating no Cherokee ancestry.

Further, the birth records of both Thomas and Susie Mitchell show that they were born in Virginia, which precludes any possibility of Cherokee lineage. Thomas' parents, John and Mary Mitchell, were also listed as Black in the 1870 Census, further reinforcing the lack of any Cherokee connection.

Given these facts, the claim that Della Reese was part Native American through her mother is more a testament to the enduring myth of Native American heritage in American society rather than a documented historical fact.

The Native American Blood Lore Myth

The "Native American blood lore myth" refers to the widespread belief among many Americans that they have some degree of Native American ancestry, even when there is little to no evidence to support it. This phenomenon is common in various communities, often fueled by a desire to connect with a sense of identity or historical legacy.

For Della Reese, the legacy of her Native American heritage was undoubtedly a source of pride and identity. However, it's important to approach such claims with an understanding of historical context and the realities of Native American ancestry in the United States.

In conclusion, while Della Reese was proud of her Native American heritage and often spoke about it, the specific claims about her Cherokee lineage need to be evaluated within the context of historical records and demographic realities. The true legacy of Della Reese lies in her incredible contributions to the entertainment industry and her enduring impact on American culture.