Their mother (Janet Faye Harris Smollett) was born in Galveston, Texas, but grew up in the 7th Ward ...
The city remain a touchstone for the family, Jake said. Their uncle, Michael Harris, a retired veteran still lives in the Seventh Ward.
“He is a New Orleans native to the core,” Jake said. “It is our grandmother’s resting place and our great grandmother’s.” ...
(Note: some links are dead)
http://ethnicelebs.com/jussie-smollett
Birth Name: Justin Smollett
Place of Birth: Sonoma, California, United States
Date of Birth: June 21, 1982
Ethnicity:
*Ashkenazi Jewish (father)
*African-American, possibly other (mother)
Jussie Smollett is an American actor, singer, director, and photographer. He is the son of Janet (Harris) and Joel Smollett. His siblings include Jojo Smollett, Jazz Smollett, Jurnee Smollett-Bell, Jake Smollett, and Jocqui Smollett, all of whom have been involved in the entertainment business.
Jussie’s father, who was white, was Ashkenazi Jewish (from a family from Romania, Russia, and Poland). The family surname was Smolovitz several generations back.
Jussie’s mother is black.
Jussie’s sister Jurnee stated in an interview that, aside from African-American, their mother has Native American, Louisiana Creole, and Irish ancestry. It is not clear if this is accurate.
Jussie’s paternal grandfather was Peter Smollett (the son of David Smolovitz/Smollett and Dawley/Dawlly Levy). Peter was born in New York. David was a Romanian Jewish emigrant, born in Iasi, Iasi County, the son of Jacob Smolovitz/Smollett and Rebecca. Dawley was born in New York, to Polish Jewish parents, Charles D. Levy and Esty/Betsy Cohen.
Jussie’s paternal grandmother is named Molly Hirschenson. Jussie’s great-grandfather was the son of Jeremiah Hirschenson and Sarah Heller. Jussie’s great-grandmother was the daughter of Louis Horowitz and Anna Lupin.
Jussie’s maternal grandparents were John Harris and Grace/Raphel Smith.
Sources: Interview where Jussie’s sister Jurnee mentions her background – http://www.tsdmemphis.com
Genealogy of Jussie Smollet – https://www.geni.com
Jussie’s paternal grandfather, Peter Smollett, on the 1930 U.S. Census – https://www.familysearch.org
Obituary of Jussie’s paternal grandfather, Peter Smollett – https://www.genealogiequebec.com
Marriage record of Jussie’s paternal great-grandparents, David Smolovitz/Smollett and Dawley/Dawlly Levy – https://www.familysearch.org
Jussie’s paternal great-grandfather, David Smolovitz/Smollett, on the 1920 U.S. Census – https://www.familysearch.org