Ralph Shuman

Ralph "Rahwae" Wayne Shuman passed away at home after a brief illness. He was born to Ulysees and Ethel Shuman on September 28, 1952, and was the couple's second son. Rahwae was a product of Duval County Public schools, where he graduated with several distinctions and leadership roles, from EuGene J Butler in 1970.

Upon graduation, he attended the University of Florida, where he majored in Political Science, intending to be a lawyer to fight for justice for underserved communities. He briefly attended Florida Junior College before being drafted during the Vietnam Era.

He honorably served in the US Army until 1974, where he was a platoon guide and trained as a battlefield medic. In addition, he was selected to attend an occupational therapy program, where he became a COTA (Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant), specializing in psychiatry. He served the balance of his enlistment in San Francisco, CA.

It was in San Francisco that he decided to major in cellular biology, with intention of becoming a medical doctor. While a student at San Francisco State University, he continued to be a servant in several leadership roles, namely: Chairman of the Pan African Student Union; President of Black Students in Science; Treasurer and Vice President of the Student Union (Associated Students, Inc).

He met Msimbi Adira on the campus of SFSU in 1975. Msimbi was pleasantly surprised and impressed that Rahwae could speak conversational Swahili (her native language). The two married in 1976 and would welcome Afwandi Karunwi (Yemi), Jamall Shuman (Julie) and Manga Shuman (Danielle). The couple relocated to Toledo, Ohio, in 1979 in order for Rahwae to attend medical school at MCO. While there, he continued in activism and served as the Vice President and President of SNMA (Student National Medical Association). Rahwae and Msimbi were happily married for 47 years and made their home near the Old West End. Their home was a loving one where everyone was welcome.

Rahwae spent the bulk of his career as a comprehensive science and math teacher with Toledo Public Schools. He later taught for Upward Bound and Toledo Excel and became the Director of GEAR UP, where he served for several years. As a consultant in science and math (with an emphasis on Special Education) for the Ohio Department of Education, he helped many schools in Northwest Ohio improve student achievement. While consulting, he pursued a dual master's in molecular biology and curriculum and instruction. He retired as an adjunct professor of Anatomy and Physiology at Monroe County Community College, in 2018.

Rahwae mentored many youth through a group that he co-founded at Braden United Methodist Church. He gave tirelessly to The Toledo Kwanzaa House Committee and the Toledo Alliance of Black School Educators. In his spare time, he enjoyed studying African history, public speaking, reading, road trips, gardening, and collecting African art. One of his proudest moments as an art collector was donating from his collection to the Toledo Museum of Art.

He leaves behind his wife, Msimbi, and their three children. He is survived by four siblings: Jacquelyn Cobb; Akbar Jamall (Nancy); Patricia Brown and Kenneth Shuman (Sharon). He was preceded in death by both parents and his sister, Kathy Malinda Shuman. Rahwae was a loving grandfather to Jazmine Shuman, Jamall Shuman II, Jayla Shuman, Adeyinka Karunwi, Adedeji Karunwi, Mansa Shuman, Colette Shuman and Jamison Shuman. He was well loved by a host of cousins, nieces, nephews and friends from "Brooklyn" to Toledo. Rahwae touched countless lives and his legacy will live on through his deeds.

The family will receive guests on Friday, February 23, 2024, from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Newcomer Funeral Home – Northwest Chapel, 4150 W. Laskey Rd, Toledo. A Funeral Service for Rahwae will begin at 11:30 am on Saturday, February 24, 2024, at Braden United Methodist Church, 4725 Dorr St, Toledo.

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