Dwyane Wade and Tragil Wade attend the Steve & Marjorie Harvey Foundation Gala on May 16, 2015.Photo:Timothy Hiatt/Getty
Timothy Hiatt/Getty
Dwyane Wadeand his sister, Tragil Wade, have been each other’s rocks.
The retired NBA star credits his sibling for being a strong support system during their difficult upbringing. Through his hard work and his sister’s perseverance, Dwyane went on to accomplish many milestones.
He led Marquette University to a surprise appearance in the Final Four of the National Collegiate Athletic Association men’s basketball tournament, won three NBA championships and an Olympic gold medal. He is alsoa fatherand has been married to actressGabrielle Unionsince 2014.
In a 2022 interview withIMPACT Magazine, Tragil reflected on the challenges the siblings overcame while growing up and how far they had come.
“Dwyane became my focus, and I thank God for giving me the strength and grace a big sister needs to help him become the man he is,” she said.
Here’s everything to know about Dwyane Wade’s sister, Tragil Wade.
She is an educator
Dwayne Wade and Tragil Wade.Tragil Wade Instagram
Tragil Wade Instagram
Tragil earned an associate degree from San Diego City College in early childhood education before graduating fromChicago State University with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and teaching.
According to her LinkedIn profile, she also holds a transformational foundation certification from the University of Notre Dame’s Mendoza College of Business.
She is involved in humanitarian projects
Dwyane Wade and Tragil Wade attend Publix Supermarket where Wade’s World Foundation granted the wishes of deserving families on December 22, 2013.Alexander Tamargo/WireImage
Alexander Tamargo/WireImage
In 2006, Tragil was named the executive director ofWade’s World Foundation, an organization that provides “support to community-based organizations that promote education, health and social skills for children in at-risk situations," per LinkedIn.
Over a decade later, she launched theAmerica’s Big Sisters Foundationto help disadvantaged kids all around the nation overcome adversity.
“The community I come from, a lot of kids don’t have the resources or opportunities,” Dwyane explained, perMarquette Today. “For us to be able to provide some of those resources is something I thought about when I was a kid, having the ability to change my family’s fortunes.”
She and her husband have a cool anniversary celebration
Tragil Wade and her husband Edward Johnson.Tragil Wade Instagram
Tragil is married to Edward Johnson, aveteran who served in the Navyfor 20 years. She is also a bonus mom to a daughter and son — Areyonna and Prince — from her husband’s previous relationship.
The couple exchanged wedding vows on March 20, 2020, and began a fun tradition of annual anniversary photo shoots. Over the years, they have replicated scenes from the filmsQueen & Slim,Love Jones,Poetic JusticeandComing to America.
She and her dad received honorary doctorates
It was a double celebration when Tragil and her father, Dwyane Sr.,each received an honorary doctorate in humanitarianismfrom the Global International Alliance in 2021. The honor recognized the father-daughter duo’s ongoing outreach in the community.
An appreciative Tragil penned an Instagram post highlighting all those who helped encourage her along her journey, thanking her “village,” including assistants, contractors and a slew of others.
“Every friend who always supported and pushed me to be the best version of myself,” she wrote. “Every family member has purchased a Ticket, donated, volunteered, and just showed your love that means more than you can ever think. … Every Fan of my brother and family, thank you all; I mean it.”
She is a proud sister
Dwayne Wade and his sister Tragil Wade.Tragil Wade Instagram
Dwyane left Marquette University early as one of the most decorated athletes in the school’s history to enter the 2003 NBA draft. Even though the Hall of Famer has solidified his place as a legend in the NBA, Tragil was invested in her brother completing his degree.
The initial plan was for him to continue his studies online, but the school didn’t have the courses Dwyane needed.
“He accomplished more than I could possibly think of and his career went further than most,” shesaid on Instagram. “But it stayed in my mind that he needed his degree for more reasons now than before. He’s a father now, and little people look up to him.”
Tragil worked on an alternative plan, submitting a yearly request to the school board to grant Dwyane an honorary undergraduate degree. Her wish was finally granted in 2022.
“Finally, TODAY, I witnessed what I’ve believed God for, for 19 years… Can we say in God’s timing,” she continued on Instagram. “[Nineteen] years later, He received a Doctorate, not an undergraduate degree, and I’m on cloud 9.”
She is a member of a sorority
Dwyane Wade and Tragil Wade attend A Night on the RunWade For Wades World Foundation on September 27, 2012.John Parra/WireImage
John Parra/WireImage
Tragil became an honorary member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Incorporated in 2022. The historically African American sorority is non-profit community service organization rooted in sisterhood and empowerment.
“Humbled humbled humbled,” she captioned a post announcing the honorary class. “I am so honored to be in a lineup of so many amazing women. I love them all ‘my sisters,’ and to be now a member of the greatest sorority.”
source: people.com
