Dave Chappelle’s Parents Were Both Educators and Social Change Agents

Dave Chapelle’s parents may have led notable careers in conventional fields, but they never discouraged their son from joining showbiz. The former couple, who separated when Dave was a child, were powerhouses in the American academic and political sectors.

Dave Chapelle gained global renown for his 2000s Comedy Central program “Chapelle’s Show.” His passion for comedy was inspired by another 2000s smash hit, “The Bill Cosby Show,” and he was determined to make his mark as a comedian. The Washington, DC, native, born David Khari Webber Chapelle, drew his first breath on August 24, 1973.

In addition to showcasing his prowess in his stand-up specials, Dave also joined the film industry, and his career has soared ever since. The same can be said about his parents, who led different jobs from their son’s. Although his father passed in the late 90s, his mother, an 85-year-old, remains active in her chosen field.

Yvonne Seon Is Dave Chappelle’s Mother and the Owner of Many Titles

Yvonne Seon was born in Washington, DC, on December 20, 1937. After graduating salutatorian from Paul Lawrence Dunbar High School, she enrolled at Allegheny College, where she attained a Bachelor of Arts degree with honors in 1959. The following year, she received her master’s in Political Science at the American University.

Yvonne had attended as a Woodrow Wilson Fellow, and that year, she met Patrice Lumumba. The former president of Congo offered her the secretary position in his new government, as Congo had recently achieved independence, and she agreed. Yvonne also worked in a State Department delegation at a UNESCO conference in Paris.

In 1977, she made history as the first woman to be appointed director on Africaire’s board. Twenty-five years later, she was the company’s first chairwoman. As of this writing, Yvonne currently works as a history professor at Prince George’s Community College in Largo, Maryland.

Professor and Activist William David Chappelle III Is Dave Chappelle’s Father

Like his former wife, William David Chapelle III was a professor at Antioch College in Yellow Springs, Ohio. In 1973, he began working in the university’s Cooperative Education and Dean of Students departments and also served as an adjunct singing instructor.

During that decade, he was instrumental in establishing H.U.M.A.N (Help Us Make A Nation) alongside social activist Jim Dunn. The initiative was launched to advocate for community empowerment and social activism. William also helped found the African American Cross-Cultural Works (A.A.C.W.).

Dave Chappelle is pictured as he speaks at the dedication of the theater at the Duke Ellington School of the Arts on June 20, 2022, in Washington, D.C. | Source: Getty Imagesmages

He received the Walter F. Anderson Award from the Antioch College Alumni Association in 1980. Sadly, he passed in 1998, following a pivotal moment in his son’s career. Dave had walked away from a project he’d developed for Fox Broadcasting Co. after accusing the network of racism for attempting to make ethnic changes to the casting. The comedian even considered leaving showbiz afterward.

Dave Chappelle’s Parents Divorced When He Was 6, Making Him Shuffle between 2 Cities

Dave’s mother remained in Washington, DC, while his dad stayed in Ohio. Like his parents, he settled down and started a family with his longtime partner, Elaine Chapelle. A father of three — like fellow comedians Jerry Seinfeld, Rob Schneider, and Bob Saget — he hoped to avoid his parents’ mistakes during their marriage and remain ever-present for his family.

Dave Chappelle, Elaine Chappelle and their daughter, Sonal Chappelle, pose on the red carpet during the 18th Annual Mark Twain Prize For Humor honoring Eddie Murphy at The John F. Kennedy Center for Performing Arts on October 18, 2015, in Washington, DC | Source: Getty Images

Still, much like Jordan Peele and Deon Cole, he has guarded them against the public eye. In 2017, Yvonne appeared for an interview where she spoke about her son’s journey to stardom. Having witnessed his growing passion for his craft as a teenager, she realized it was his “calling.”

She even accompanied him to comedy clubs when he was underage. Following the advice of an older comedian, Yvonne encouraged Dave to enroll at the Duke Ellington School of the Arts to study acting. In the same way that his parents showed him love and support, Dave never leaves his children’s presence without telling them, “I love you.”

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