2026 SPECIAL SESSION I

ENROLLED

HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 2172

Celebrating the life of Dawann Anthony Steagall, Jr.

Agreed to by the House of Delegates, June 22, 2026

WHEREAS, Dawann Anthony Steagall, Jr., chief of staff of the Honorable Alex Q. Askew and a beloved member of the Hampton Roads community, died on May 31, 2026, leaving a legacy of love, compassion, and dedication; and

WHEREAS, known affectionately by family and friends as “DJ” or “Big Steags,” Dawann Steagall was born in Portsmouth and graduated from West Potomac High School in Fairfax County in 2017; and

WHEREAS, after earning a bachelor's degree in criminal justice and sociology from Old Dominion University in 2021, Dawann Steagall participated in the Governor's Fellows Program with the Secretary of Public Safety and Homeland Security; and

WHEREAS, Dawann Steagall served as the campaign manager for the Honorable Alex Q. Askew and became his chief of staff in January 2024, working tirelessly to support the delegate both at the General Assembly of Virginia and in his interactions with his constituents; and

WHEREAS, during his tenure as chief of staff, Dawann Steagall successfully championed legislation to increase awareness of certain cancers known to be more common in individuals with sickle cell disease or the sickle cell trait; and

WHEREAS, Dawann Steagall found happiness in traveling, cooking, and cheering on the New England Patriots, and above all else enjoyed spending quality time with family and loved ones; and

WHEREAS, guided throughout his life by his faith, Dawann Steagall was a devoted member of Gethsemane Community Fellowship Baptist Church in Norfolk; and

WHEREAS, Dawann Steagall demonstrated the power of his faith in all of his endeavors, making every effort to help those in need and to make a positive and lasting difference in the lives of others; and

WHEREAS, Dawann Steagall remained optimistic and undaunted throughout his battle with sickle cell disease and cancer, exuding a strong and fearless spirit that inspired all who knew him; and

WHEREAS, Dawann Steagall will be fondly remembered and dearly missed by his parents, Belinda and Dawann, Sr.; his siblings, Kari and Delanie; his loving partner, Jazzmin Collins; and numerous other family members and friends; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the House of Delegates hereby note with great sadness the loss of Dawann Anthony Steagall, Jr., a revered member of the Hampton Roads community whose courage, leadership, and service made an impact on countless lives; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of Dawann Anthony Steagall, Jr., as an expression of the House of Delegates' respect for his memory.