8 Black Celebrities You Wouldn't Believe Were Linked To Scientology

Scientology is a body of beliefs and related practices created by science-fiction writer L. Ron Hubbard (1911–1986). In 1952, as a successor to his earlier self-help system, Dianetics, Hubbard characterized Scientology as a religion, and in 1953 he incorporated the Church of Scientology in Camden, New Jersey. Brandy Singer Brandy claims she “just took classes” and is no longer a follower of Scientology. In a 2004 interview, Norwood told Africana.com that she had once enrolled in Scientology classes. "It basically consists of questions that probe really deeply into your life," she said. "I am not a Scientologist, but I do love what I have experienced." Doug E. Fresh In 2009, hip-hop pioneer Doug E. Fresh opened up about his affiliation with the Church of Scientology. In an interview with Essence magazine, the star talked about what Scientology means to him and why others should consider it. “I found it fascinating. It changed how I thought. I've learned how to look at things and not judge them but respect them, and use it in a way that people understand that I respect them, show them love and respect their reality. Scientology is not written with disrespect toward God. It doesn't worship something that is evil. It is scientific, mathematical, and spiritual. The Black community has to check it out and see what’s there. I’m not saying it’s for everyone, but you have to take a look. You may be amazed at what you get.” Chaka Khan In an interview with the Telegraph in the U.K., "Queen of Funk" Chaka Khan said that religion played a big part in the her ability to overcome drug addiction over the years. At the time, she didn't discuss which belief she was referring to, but mentioned Scientology and said she has taken classes and studied the religion. “I’ve taken some courses in Scientology, and they’ve been very, very helpful through life’s ups and downs,” she said. Will Smith Although actor Will Smith has been linked to Scientology, he has never confirmed his membership. Throughout his career, he has reportedly made several multimillion-dollar donations to the church. In the past, when Smith has been asked about his affiliation, he claimed that he just hangs out with many Scientologists. Al Jarreau Award-winning jazz singer Al Jarreau became affiliated with the Church of Scientology in the late 1960s. Back then, Jarreau reportedly said that Scientology had changed his life for the better and even played a role in his success. Now, however, for an unknown reason, Jarreau is no longer affiliated with the church. Isaac Hayes Late singer Issac Hayes began studying Scientology in 2005. He performed in Scientology films, endorsed books, and even made a Scientology-inspired CD, The Joy Of Creating – The Golden Era Musicians And Friends Play L. Ron Hubbard. In 2006, Hayes, who was the voice of the character Chef on the Comedy Central Network series South Park, parted ways with show creators Matt Stone and Trey Parker after an episode that satirized Scientology. Hayes reportedly felt the episode reflected intolerant behavior. Haywood Nelson Haywood Nelson who played the role of Dwayne Nelson in the popular '70s television sitcom What’s Happening!! is reportedly a proud member of the Church of Scientology, and says that the religion helps him to be more spiritual and creative: "Prior to my knowledge of Scientology and the many tools and technology it makes available, I was extremely busy, going everywhere at a snail’s pace. I was playing hide-and-seek with myself, a very frustrating game. But that game is over and the frustration that accompanied it is handled. Scientology allows me to have certainty about what I know. Personally and professionally, there’s no more guessing about how to be. I calmly point and click. I know that I have hit the mark. Now I am free for the most important thing about me: creativity. What I want is a matter of choice – my choice. How I get it is a matter of 'trust Scientology.'" Persia White Persia White, best known as Lynn from the UPN television series Girlfriends, is reportedly a Scientologist. According to Black Voices, White is a member of the Church of Scientology and on her Myspace page, she listed L. Ron Hubbard as one of her heroes.

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