Family and friends gathered on the rooftop of the Zena Hotel, Washington D.C.
as Symone D. Sanders, Omaha Native, was escorted by Shawn J. Townsend, the
Love of her life, while blindfolded to a rose laden poolside cabana while being
serenaded by an acapella soloist to the song by Stevie Wonder, Knocks Me Off My
Feet to receive the surprise of her life…Shawn proposed and Symone replied, ABSOLUTELY.
Family traveled from as far as Tupelo, Mississippi; Cleveland, Ohio; and Omaha,
Nebraska to witness this life event. Shawn and Symone began the journey of this
relationship two years ago to the date.
Symone is currently the chief spokeswoman for Vice President Kamala Harris
and is part of the all-female White House communications team. Shawn is the Director
of the Mayor’s Office of Nightlife and Culture in the city of Washington D.C.
Shawn, a native of South Carolina, received his bachelor’s degree in journalism and
mass communications from New Mexico State University.
Symone attended Sacred Heart Elementary School, Mercy High School and
Creighton University. She is the daughter of the late Daniel E. Sanders and Terri
D. Sanders, Omaha Star Publisher. Symone is eagerly anticipating becoming the
future Mrs. Townsend. A date for the nuptials has not been set.
