Photographer: Ralph Granich
The Clemons Family
The Clemons Family
Rasha Clemons had finished raising her son Tarrell and daughter Tamera. Both were grown and living on their own, and Rasha was enjoying her 3 young grandchildren. Then she learned that a family friend had 2 young children placed into foster care. Rasha had always taken care of other people's children. Children were always in her home. Rasha did not want Andrew and Armani to get lost in the foster care system, so she became a foster parent and they came to live with her. She hoped their mom would be able to take care of them again, but when returning to her care wasn't an option, Rasha decided to adopt. A few years later, when Andrew and Armani's baby brother Amil was born, there was no question that she would bring him home too. Rasha picked him up from the hospital following his birth. Amil's adoption was official in June 2010 in Alameda County. Rasha maintains contact with two other siblings who are in foster care in another county. She continues to be part of a large extended family. Rasha's life is full, caring for three young children, with endless love and commitment.