You’ve seen her on every red carpet from Paris to Los Angeles, usually draped in something that makes the internet collectively lose its mind. But behind the Emmy awards and the Dune press tours, there is a groundedness to Zendaya that doesn't just happen by accident. People often ask who are Zendaya’s parents because, frankly, she seems too normal for someone who has been famous since she was a pre-teen.
It’s the parents. It is always the parents.
Claire Stoermer and Kazembe Ajamu Coleman aren't your typical "momagers" or "stage dads" lurking in the wings with a contract and a calculator. They were teachers. That matters. It changes the entire DNA of a career when your foundation is built on education and Oakland roots rather than Hollywood social climbing.
The Oakland Foundation: Claire Stoermer and Kazembe Ajamu Coleman
Zendaya Maree Stoermer Coleman was born into a household that was basically a bridge between two very different worlds. Her mother, Claire Stoermer, has German and Scottish ancestry. Her father, Kazembe Ajamu Coleman, is African-American.
Growing up in Oakland, California, Zendaya wasn't surrounded by the glitz of the industry. She was surrounded by books and basketball. Claire worked as a teacher at Fruitvale Elementary School for over two decades. Think about that for a second. While Zendaya was starting to find her footing in local theater, her mom was grading papers and managing a classroom of kids in an inner-city school.
Claire also held a second job as the house manager for the California Shakespeare Theater in Orinda. This is where the magic started. Zendaya would tag along, helping her mom seat patrons and sell raffle tickets. She watched the performers from the wings. She saw the grit of theater—the rehearsals, the sweat, the missed cues—long before she saw a camera.
The Father Who Became a Protector
Kazembe Ajamu Coleman (born Samuel David Coleman before he reclaimed his name to honor his heritage) didn't start out as an agent. He was a gym teacher. He was a coach. When you look at Zendaya’s career, you see a woman who knows how to say "no." That likely comes from Kazembe.
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He didn't just let her fly to LA and hope for the best. He moved with her. When she landed her breakout role as Rocky Blue on Disney Channel’s Shake It Up, Kazembe was there as her full-time guardian and manager. But he wasn't the kind of manager who pushed for every endorsement deal. He was the kind of manager who made sure she finished her homework in the trailer.
He's protective. Honestly, "protective" might be an understatement. There are famous stories of him being the ultimate gatekeeper during her early dating years. Even now, as a grown woman and a global superstar, she’s often seen with her dad nearby. It’s not about control; it’s about a family unit that refused to be fractured by the industry.
Why People Get Their Relationship Wrong
There’s a weird trend on social media where people try to find drama where there isn't any. In 2016, Claire and Kazembe filed for divorce. The internet did what the internet does: it assumed the worst.
"Oh, the fame broke them up."
"They're fighting over her money."
Total nonsense.
Zendaya actually had to take to Twitter (now X) to shut down the rumors. She posted a photo of the three of them, explaining that they hadn't been together for a long time but they were still "homies." They handled their split with more maturity than most Hollywood couples handle a dinner reservation. They are the blueprint for co-parenting. You’ll still see them both at her premieres, sometimes standing right next to each other, cheering for the girl they raised in Oakland.
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The Half-Sibling Dynamic You Probably Didn't Know About
When discussing who are Zendaya’s parents, it’s a mistake to overlook the rest of the tree. Zendaya is an only child to Claire and Kazembe as a couple, but she is the youngest of five siblings on her father’s side.
She has three sisters—Katiana, Kaylee, and Annabella—and two brothers, Austin and Julien.
This is why she doesn't act like a "Disney kid." She grew up as the baby sister to a bunch of older, "cool" siblings who kept her ego in check. She’s a proud auntie. She’s often talked about how she looked up to her older sisters and how their influence shaped her view of womanhood.
- Austin Coleman: Often stays out of the spotlight but is remarkably close to his sister.
- Julien Coleman: Also known as "EZ," he’s a father and a constant presence in the family circle.
- The Sisters: They are the "normal" anchors in her life. They aren't in the industry. They have jobs, families, and lives that have nothing to do with Marvel or HBO.
The Biracial Experience and Parental Guidance
Zendaya has been very vocal about her privilege as a light-skinned biracial woman in Hollywood. She credits her parents for giving her the historical context to understand her place in the world.
Kazembe ensured she was rooted in her Black heritage. He renamed himself to reflect his roots and instilled that same pride in her. Meanwhile, Claire’s influence is seen in Zendaya’s work ethic and her deep appreciation for the arts.
They didn't just raise a star; they raised a conscious citizen. When Zendaya stood up against Giuliana Rancic’s comments about her locs at the 2015 Oscars, that wasn't a PR move. That was the daughter of two teachers who taught her the power of words and the importance of self-respect.
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A Career Built on "No"
Most parents of child stars are desperate for the next check. Claire and Kazembe were different. Because they had their own careers and their own identities, they didn't need to live through Zendaya.
She has often told the story of how she almost didn't go for certain roles because she wanted to stay in school. Her parents supported that. They didn't push. They provided a safety net so she could take risks. If the acting thing didn't work out? Fine. She could go back to Oakland and go to college. Having that "out" is exactly why she was able to navigate the treacherous waters of teen stardom without crashing.
Fact-Checking the Common Misconceptions
People love to invent "secret" backgrounds for celebrities. Let’s clear some things up.
- Are they rich? Now? Sure, they’re doing fine. But they were middle-class teachers. They weren't "Hollywood royalty."
- Is her mom her manager? No. Her dad handled the management side early on, while her mom kept a steady hand on her personal life and education.
- Are they still together? As mentioned, they are divorced but remain extremely close friends and business partners in the "Zendaya" ecosystem.
How to Apply the "Coleman Method" to Your Own Life
While you might not be raising a future Euphoria star, there are legitimate lessons to be learned from how Claire and Kazembe handled their daughter's rise.
- Prioritize Education Over Accolades: Even when she was on Disney, Zendaya was a student first. This creates a brain that can handle the complexities of contracts and public image later in life.
- Keep Your Roots Greener Than Your Bank Account: Both parents kept their ties to Oakland strong. Zendaya still supports local charities and theater programs there. Never forget where you started.
- Co-Parenting is a Partnership, Not a Competition: Even after a divorce, putting the child's emotional stability first is the ultimate "win."
- Diversity of Experience: Exposing children to different cultures (in this case, her German and African-American roots) creates a more empathetic and well-rounded adult.
To really understand Zendaya, you have to look at the two tall, unassuming people usually standing a few feet behind her at a press junket. They aren't there for the cameras. They're there for her.
If you're looking to follow her career more closely, pay attention to the projects she chooses. They almost always reflect the values of integrity and grit that Claire and Kazembe instilled in her back in that Oakland classroom.
Next Steps for Fans:
- Check out Zendaya's early interviews where she talks about her "inner-city" upbringing.
- Follow Claire Stoermer on social media; she often shares behind-the-scenes glimpses of her jewelry line and her life in Oakland, which offers a very grounded perspective compared to the typical celebrity mom.
- Look into the California Shakespeare Theater—the place where it all began—and consider supporting local arts programs in your own community.