Local photojournalist Yvonne Kemp honored as pioneer and advocate

On Sunday, August 21, 2022, local photojournalist Yvonne Kemp was honored for her 80th birthday as well as her work in the community at the Wisconsin African American Women’s Center, 3020 W. Vliet St.

Originally trained in accounting, Yvonne has worked for a number of organizations, including SDC, over the years. But it was her brother, the late Harry Kemp, who got her into photography by hiring her as his assistant, then as his protege.

Yvonne is one of the first African American female photographers in the city of Milwaukee, as well as the first African American female photographer for the Milwaukee Brewers. Yvonne has also worked for both the Milwaukee Times Weekly Newspaper and the Milwaukee Community Journal. In addition to holding several contracts with various organizations in Milwaukee, Yvonne is very active in the community. She is a member of A-LEGO (African American Ladies Empowered to Grow Opportunities), the Dare to Dream Foundation, North Division Alumni Association, and the Black Excellence Awards/Louvenia Johnson Scholarship Foundation.

Many at the event sang Yvonne’s praises and talked about not only her outstanding work but also her amazing friendship. Many even bestowed wonderful gifts, including LeRoy Butler who gave her his Hall of Fame jersey.

But the praise did not end on Sunday; for on Monday, August 29, 2022, Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson presented a special proclamation to her at City Hall and officially declared August 29, 2022 as Yvonne Kemp Day!