7 Shocking Facts About Zendaya's Parents: Claire Stoermer And Kazembe Ajamu Coleman's Unexpected Lives
Zendaya’s meteoric rise to global stardom has captivated millions, but behind the red carpets and blockbuster roles is a fiercely supportive and surprisingly grounded family unit. As of December 2025, the foundation of her success remains her parents, Claire Stoermer and Kazembe Ajamu Coleman, whose lives are far more fascinating and humble than you might expect for the parents of a two-time Emmy winner.
Far from the typical Hollywood family, Zendaya's mother and father are educators, entrepreneurs, and dedicated co-parents who instilled in her a strong sense of self and social consciousness. Their unique backgrounds—from teaching in Oakland to becoming a personal manager—have provided the actress with a powerful, multidimensional perspective that she carries into every project and public appearance.
The Complete Biography and Profile of Claire Stoermer and Kazembe Ajamu Coleman
Zendaya Maree Stoermer Coleman is the only biological child of her parents, but she was raised in a large, loving blended family. Here is a detailed look at the two people who have been her biggest champions since day one.
Claire Stoermer (Mother)
- Full Name: Claire Marie Stoermer
- Profession: Elementary School Teacher (retired/current status varies by source, but spent 20 years teaching), Former Theatre House Manager, Jewelry Designer.
- Career Highlights: Taught for two decades at Fruitvale Elementary School in Oakland, California. Her dedication to education heavily influenced Zendaya’s own values.
- Current Endeavor: She is also known to be a creative entrepreneur, designing and selling handmade jewelry.
- Ethnicity/Ancestry: German and Scottish ancestry.
- Key Role: Instilled a love for the arts and education in Zendaya, often bringing her to the California Shakespeare Theater where she worked.
Kazembe Ajamu Coleman (Father)
- Full Name: Kazembe Ajamu Coleman (born Samuel David Coleman)
- Profession: Personal Manager, Former Stage Manager, Former P.E. Teacher.
- Career Highlights: Worked as a stage manager at the California Shakespeare Theater. He is now Zendaya’s full-time personal manager, overseeing her career and business decisions.
- Current Endeavor: Continues to manage Zendaya’s career, often accompanying her to major events and red carpets.
- Ethnicity/Ancestry: African-American.
- Key Role: Has been Zendaya’s dedicated protector and guide throughout her rise to fame, providing a stable presence in the often-turbulent entertainment industry.
The Blended Family: Meet Zendaya’s Five Older Siblings
One of the least-known facts about the Euphoria star is that she grew up as the youngest of six children. Zendaya has five older half-siblings from her father, Kazembe Ajamu Coleman’s, previous relationship. The actress has consistently spoken about how her large family has kept her grounded and provided a crucial perspective on life outside of Hollywood.
The concept of "family" for Zendaya is expansive and deeply rooted in Oakland values. She is the only child from her parents’ marriage, but the household was always full of life and love from her older siblings. This large, supportive unit is a core part of her identity, and she often credits them for keeping her humble and connected to her roots.
The five older half-siblings are:
- Katianna Stoermer Coleman
- Annabella Stoermer Coleman
- Kaylee Stoermer Coleman
- Austin Stoermer Coleman
- Julien "EZ" Stoermer Coleman
Despite the age gap, Zendaya has a close relationship with all of them, often sharing throwback photos and mentioning their influence on her life. Their presence in her life is a key element of her topical authority on family values and support.
How Claire and Kazembe Shaped Zendaya's Career and Public Image
The influence of Claire Stoermer and Kazembe Ajamu Coleman extends far beyond her childhood. Their professional backgrounds directly contributed to her early exposure to the arts and her later success.
The Teacher Who Fostered Creativity
Claire Stoermer's 20-year career as an elementary school teacher at Fruitvale was a central pillar in Zendaya's upbringing. Her mother’s dedication to education and her work as a house manager at the California Shakespeare Theater meant Zendaya was constantly surrounded by performance art and the creative process.
This early exposure was vital. Zendaya spent much of her childhood backstage, watching rehearsals and performances, which naturally sparked her interest in acting. She has frequently praised her mother for being her role model in compassion and service, noting how Claire constantly worked to open her students' eyes to an education that could lift them beyond their current circumstances.
The Stage Manager Who Became Her Personal Manager
Kazembe Ajamu Coleman, who also has a background in education and worked as a stage manager, introduced Zendaya to the business side of performance. His transition from stage manager to her full-time personal manager has been crucial in navigating the complexities of Hollywood.
This professional partnership is a unique arrangement in the celebrity world. Kazembe acts as her protector, ensuring her business decisions align with her personal values and interests. This arrangement is a powerful testament to the trust and dedication between father and daughter, keeping her grounded even as her fame reaches astronomical heights.
The Truth About The Parents' Divorce and Co-Parenting
Zendaya’s parents are divorced, a fact the actress has been open about, often using her family’s situation to challenge conventional ideas of what a family should look like. They separated when Zendaya was young, but they have maintained an incredibly close and unified front in raising her.
They are the ultimate example of successful co-parenting. Both Claire and Kazembe are frequently seen supporting Zendaya at major events, including the Emmy Awards and film premieres. Their ability to remain a cohesive unit post-divorce is something Zendaya often highlights as a source of strength and stability.
In fact, Zendaya has famously addressed the public's perception of their relationship, once posting a picture of her parents together with the caption, "They're just two good people who've decided to not be in a relationship anymore." She uses her platform to normalize and celebrate different family structures, emphasizing that love and respect can endure beyond a romantic partnership. This topical entity is crucial to understanding her mature and progressive worldview.
The Role of Race and Identity
Zendaya’s biracial background—her mother is white with German and Scottish roots, and her father is African-American—is a significant part of her identity, a topic she has often discussed with pride. Her parents’ diverse backgrounds have given her a rich, nuanced understanding of race and culture, which she uses to advocate for diversity and representation in the entertainment industry.
Her father, Kazembe, has been a strong influence in her understanding of her Black heritage, while her mother, Claire, instilled in her a strong sense of intellectual curiosity and love for the arts. This powerful combination of influences is a key reason why Zendaya is celebrated not just as an actress, but as a thoughtful cultural figure.
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