Alice Walker

Born in Eatonton, Georgia, Alice Walker grew up in a sharecropping family, the youngest of eight children. Her parents, Willie Lee Walker and Minnie Tallulah Grant, were of African American and Cherokee descent, respectively. No ancient Jewish matriarchs or patriarchs seem to be lurking in her family tree, suggesting a solid 0 for Jewish Origin.

While Walker has been a vocal critic of Israeli policies and a supporter of the BDS movement, and has explored various spiritual and political ideologies, there is no evidence to suggest she has ever identified as Jewish, practiced Judaism, or had any formal ties to the Jewish community. Her spiritual journey has led her through diverse paths, but none have reportedly included a synagogue.

Walker’s literary achievements, especially "The Color Purple," which won both the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction and the National Book Award, certainly bring nachas to fans of American literature. However, for those looking for specifically Jewish nachas, her well-documented controversial stances on Israel and associations with figures and ideas that have drawn accusations of antisemitism might make some Jewish readers feel more kvetch-worthy than kvelled. It's a tough crowd to please.