The publication is reproduced in full below:
HONORING DWANA BRADLEY
______
HON. CYNTHIA AXNE
of iowa
in the house of representatives
Tuesday, July 20, 2021
Mrs. AXNE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Dwana Bradley as Iowan of the Week. Dwana is a mother, a business owner, an educator, and a long-time community advocate. She believes education is the key to life, which speaks to her passion and career as a teacher.
Dwana received a bachelor's degree in child and family services from Iowa State University, a master's degree in elementary education and literacy from Drake University, and a specialist's degree in administration. She went on to graduate from the Greater Des Moines Leadership Institute, and for almost seven years she worked as a reading interventionist with Des Moines Public Schools (DMPS) to help students reach their potential. In 2019, she was elected to the Des Moines School Board and currently serves as the chair of the board.
Dwana did not let the COVID-19 pandemic slow her drive to educate young Iowans. As chairwoman, she serves in an outreach role to help underserved communities attain higher education and is working to stem the negative impact of COVID-19 on students, especially those who were already struggling in school or falling behind.
Dwana also owns Iowa Urban Media, a community-focused publishing company, and is the editor-in-chief for the Urban Experience Magazine, a monthly publication that shares news in the African American community and seeks to empower voices through positivity. Her journalism promotes education, an open dialogue, and a space to have important conversations about issues affecting Iowans. She passionately believes that these conversations are a crucial step towards achieving justice.
In addition to her commendable career in education, Dwana is an active advocate. She is the executive director of Iowa Juneteenth and chairs a committee for Iowa Juneteenth Observance, volunteers on the DMPS attendance committee, and still makes time to direct the choir at True Bible Baptist Church.
As executive director of Iowa Juneteenth and chair on a committee for Iowa Juneteenth Observance, she helps put on events, educate the public, and celebrate with Iowans across the state for the annual commemoration of Juneteenth: the date the last enslaved African Americans were granted freedom in 1865, ending slavery in the United States. Just this week, Congress finally passed a bill to formally recognize Juneteenth National Independence Day as a federal holiday after decades of activism from Americans.
As we recently gathered to observe Juneteenth and join in community celebrations and educational events, let us thank Dwana and her team for their efforts to bring Iowans together to share stories, experiences, and history with one another. She is a fantastic educator, a proud voice in the community, and a fervent advocate for uplifting Iowans. Please join me in honoring Dwana Bradley as our Iowan of the Week.
____________________
SOURCE: Congressional Record Vol. 167, No. 127
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