Welcome back to Black. Girl. Iowa., where we amplify the voices and stories of Black women and men making an impact in our communities. Episode 8 is one that’s near and dear to my heart — a heartfelt conversation about sisterhood, growing up Black in Iowa, and the unshakeable bond that shapes us.
In this special episode, I’m joined by two of my closest friends, Dawniece Lewis and Dionne Siyavora — women I have admired for decades. Known as the Trumbo sisters, they are living examples of Black excellence, resilience, and grace.
Both born and raised in Des Moines, these sisters have not only thrived academically — as student body presidents, college graduates, and professionals — but they have also navigated the complexities of being Black girls growing up in predominantly white spaces.
A Sisterhood Rooted in Love and Survival
What makes this conversation so special is how raw and real Dawniece and Dionne are about their experiences. They share what it was like to grow up as some of the only Black children on the South Side of Des Moines, the racism they encountered from both peers and adults, and how their tight-knit family gave them the armor to face it all.
As Dionne said, “We were taught about Black history and had pride in who we are. So when we faced racism, we let it roll off our shoulders. We knew who we were.”
And while they were facing those realities, they leaned on each other — sisters navigating a world that often didn’t see or value them.
Academic Excellence: “We Were Going to Succeed”
What also shines through is their unwavering commitment to education. Both sisters recount how education was non-negotiable in their household. Their grandfather, despite being functionally illiterate, pushed them to succeed, and the sisters rose to the occasion — becoming standouts in high school and college.
Dawniece shared how being “re-tracked” into advanced placement courses changed her trajectory, while Dionne spoke about how her older sister’s guidance opened doors she didn’t know were possible. “She brought everybody up with her,” Dionne said.
Their commitment to academic success wasn’t just for themselves, but to set an example and build a legacy.
Life, Love, and Staying Connected Across the Miles
Today, Dawniece and Dionne live on opposite sides of the country, but their bond remains unbreakable. Through marriage, motherhood, careers, and big life moves, they’ve managed to stay close — talking daily, sending Instagram reels, and making time to visit each other.
Dionne put it beautifully: “We are our own family sometimes. We’ve been through so much together — it’s like being trauma-bonded, but in the best way because we get each other like no one else can.”
Their story is a reminder that sisterhood isn’t always perfect, but when nurtured, it is a force that can help us rise above anything.
A Personal Dedication: Honoring My Own Sister
This episode is also deeply personal. I dedicated this conversation to my late sister, Olivia Nicole Johnson, who passed away in 2016. Olivia was a light — strong, brilliant, and fiercely loyal. And while she’s no longer physically here, her love, courage, and sisterhood guide me every day.
As I reflect on the Trumbo sisters’ bond, I am reminded of what I shared in the episode: “When you lose a sibling, you lose a part of yourself. But you also realize how important that connection is — to have someone who truly understands where you’ve been and who you are.”
Final Thoughts: The Power of Sisterhood and Black Girlhood in Iowa
To me, this conversation is more than just an episode — it’s a love letter to sisterhood and Black girlhood in Iowa. It’s about how we thrive even in spaces that weren’t built for us. It’s about the people who hold us up, call us out, and love us unconditionally.
If you’ve ever had a sister — by blood or by bond — who’s walked through life with you, this one’s for you.
Thank you, Dawniece and Dionne, for showing us what real sisterhood looks like.
💐 Here’s to the sisters who make us better. And to the ones we hold in our hearts forever.
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Black. Girl. Iowa. 
Your sister was small but mighty. She was the sweetest, most caring, and the funnest person ever! Her big smile could light up a room, and you could hear her mouth from the other side of the room. I hate that we lost contact in high school, but when we connected after all those years it was like she was there all along. Whenever I hear a couple of specific songs all I can think of is her, and I will tell her hi because I really hope she is in my car with me dancing to the songs. I miss that girl so much! Olivia and your family has been in my life for a very long time, and I adore all of you!