A memorial celebration of Kaleema Sumareh

In remembrance of our colleague, 1952 - 2016

Kaleema Sumareh had a great zeal for education. Inspired by her children's educational endeavors, Kaleema set out on a path to obtain a college degree, and with time she achieved and surpassed her goal.

In 2008, Kaleema Sumareh received a bachelor of arts degree in sociology from Marygrove College in Detroit. Kaleema then took to our nation's capital to pursue graduate studies, earning a master of arts in sociology from the American University. Until her final moments, Kaleema taught sociology courses and pursued her Ph.D. at Wayne State University. As a rumble fellow and graduate teaching assistant, she immersed herself in the field of sociology and continued to educate herself and those around her every day.

Kaleema enjoyed various hobbies in her spare time. She was an esteemed local poet, short fiction writer, and social activist. Kaleema's writings have been published in various locations, and in the 1980's she even created her own publishing company, Happy Nappy Press. An avid lover of jazz music, Kaleema was influenced and inspired by the sounds of classic artists Miles Davis and John Coltrane.

A mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, friend and revered colleague, Kaleema wore many hats. With great passion and motivation, Kaleema was an inspiration in achieving her goals and continuing to set more. Kaleema Sumareh was a respected student, instructor, and colleague in the Department of Sociology and she will be greatly missed.