Kemi Irene Caroline Fumbanks Atandare made her debut into the world via the union of Robert Lee Fumbanks and Doretha Sims Fumbanks on February 1, 1947 in Chicago, Illinois. She was the eleventh of fourteen children.
An avid student, she excelled in her studies. She received top grades and participated in numerous activities during high school. She was a “track star” and ran for the Mayor Daley Youth Foundation. She set many records statewide as well as nationally, earning the opportunity to participate in the 1964 Olympic Trials. Caroline graduated from Du Sable High School in 1964 and received a full scholarship to Rockford College. She majored in Zoology and Spanish and studied abroad in Madrid, Spain for the 1966-1967 academic year. In 1968, she followed her big brother Sidney to Milwaukee, WI where she became the director of ICDP (inner city development project). She was very involved in the Milwaukee Community and fought for Civil Rights. She was an activist becoming enmeshed in the Black Liberation Movement. It was at this time that she changed her name to “Kemi” which means love.
She was united in marriage to Daniel “Skido” Atandare and to their union was born one daughter Dara. Kemi was a strong advocate of education sharing her knowledge and expertise with all she knew. A lifelong learner, she earned two master degrees and completed all of the coursework needed for a Ph.D. in urban education. All of her graduate work was done at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.
Kemi started various programs working with youth in the community; one of her most beloved positions was as girls track coach for the former Lincoln High School. In addition to ICDP, she worked as a Spanish Teacher for Milwaukee Public Schools and was a daycare administrator. She then moved on to the University of WI-Milwaukee as an advisor to students. She became a school social worker for Milwaukee Public Schools in 1985 where she remained until retiring in June of 2004.
Kemi was baptized at Holy Angels Catholic Church and remained Catholic for the remainder of her life. She was a member of St. Boniface Catholic Church and St. Michael’s Catholic Church. She was an active member of the Knights of Peter Claver Ladies Auxiliary Court #234 and the Ladies of Grace Evelyn Ashe Chapter #31.
She was also a member the Milwaukee Forum, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. Epsilon Kappa Omega Chapter and the National Sorority of Phi Delta Kappa Beta Chi Chapter.
Kemi was a selfless person who gave what ever she could to others. She was generous to a fault and gave many charitable donations. This included agencies as well as individuals. She enjoyed doing volunteer work for various programs. Not only did Kemi give to her community but she gave to her family as well. She helped to raise many members of her family and became the legal guardian of two of her nieces and one nephew. She had an affi nity for the elders and would always make it her business to ensure that their well being was always a priority.
An avid storyteller, she shared this talent with many locally as well as nationally. A very cultured woman, Kemi traveled around the world and made friends everywhere she went. She will be greatly missed!