Separated a century ago, two branches of Pope Leo's family reunite in New Orleans

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11/16/25

Separated a century ago, two branches of Pope Leo's family reunite in New Orleans

Pope Leo's long-separated family reunites over dinner in New Orleans.

www.nola.com

Pope Leo's grandfather was Joseph Martinez, who was born in the 7th Ward. Alverez's great-grandfather Michel Martinez was Joseph's brother. Carrera's great-great-grandmother Adele Martinez was their sister.

More than a century ago, Joseph, Adele and another brother left their 7th Ward home and moved to Chicago. The siblings were fair-skinned enough to pass for White when they got there.

Michel Martinez stayed in New Orleans and his branch of the family continued to live as Black.

 

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*excerpt from documentary by Maurice Martinez about New Orleans Creoles. Segment about "passing"