Kiaira Wheeler

On March 31, 2023, NCNW had it’s annual induction ceremony. This event is an excellent opportunity to congratulate all the new N’Sisters. During the event, NCNW board members presented themselves.  

For the DSU Section E-Board Aaliyah Robinson, President; Jorden Watson, Recording Sectary; Nia Coles, First Vice President; Destinee Brinkley, Corresponding Sectary; Alayah Phipps, Second Vice President; Saniya Taylor, Third Vice President; Paris Rodgers, Treasure; Janaan – Arie Akinmurele, Miss NCNW.  

DSU Section E – Board Cont. They have Nana- Ahema Sackey as Sister Rep, Khiya Gilliam as Events Chair, Asya Jones Social Media/ PR Chair, Alexis Powell as Community Service Chair, Gabriella Thomas as Fundraising Chair, and Paris Rodegers as Parliament Rian. 

At the beginning of the event, President Aaliyah Robison gave the audience the great history of NCNW. NCNW was founded on December 5^th, 1935. Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune is the founder and president of the National Council of Negro Women. NCNW was charted at Delaware State University in 2010, although it became inactive in 2012. Then the organization was started back up in 2017 by Black Ra. 

NCNW has been active for 87 years. The National Council of Negro mission is to lead, advocate and empower women of African descent, their families, and communities. NCNW is also educational that provides the key to the racial advancement envisioned NCNW functions as a clearing house, facilitating networking and partnership.  NCNW has 28 national leaders of the most notable black women’s organization.  

NCNW is also community service based. For instance, on February 23^rd, the NCNW collaborated with the Men’s Council to read the DSU children’s book Good Morning Hornet by Earl Anthony Cooper to Hartly Elementary School. They also gave books to their school library and read to three second-grade classes. In addition, the NCNW community service includes Stockober, the Boys and girls club of Dover, backpack drive, campus clean up, dover interfaith, and many more.  

During the event, the NCNW presents a PowerPoint slide showing the audience the memories they built and the event they were a part of. NCNW is very big on being a part of the community and sharing awareness. The NCNW represents sisterhood and expands there brand in the nation.  

I interviewed a few members to hear about their experience of being a part of the NCNW organization and the benefits they were offered for being a part of the organization. DessiRae Ingrim, a member of the NCNW who was inducted in spring 23, discusses why she wanted to join the organization. She states, “I wanted to join this organization because my freshman year, NCNW was doing a lot of community service and fun events around campus.”  

She also discusses how One thing she didn’t know about the organization is how many N’susters there would be. There are so many of them. She also quotes, “I would say being a N’sister is entertaining. I have many N’sisters, and I’m always talking to them around campus”. Overall, Desirae discusses that her most significant takeaway from being a part of this org is the community service and opportunities I get. 

Nadly Catul is a significant nursing freshman and was inducted into the NCNW on March 31^st, 2023. Naldy talked about the main reason she wanted to be a part of the organization: to experience the bond and the sisterhood. She also elaborates how it’s a big chance to graduate high school and transition from college.  

From many of her peers, it is her first year not living with her parents and doing things for herself. Nadly pointed to joining the organization because the organization helped smooth her transition process.  

Nadly continues by stating what she learned. She quotes, “One thing I have learned about the organization is that you must put in the time and effort. Not only does it build your community service hours up, but you are also participating in an organization that does good things, sending out candy grams for Valentine’s Day to patriciate in a breast cancer walk.  

Nadly also spoke about her biggest takeaway by stating that it’s essential to build relationships that can benefit you in many ways, including networking and building personal relationships with people who share the same interest and goals. In addition, you can go a long way when you have other people to help and support you along your joinery. 

Asya Jones is a senior social media chair for the NCNW. Asya Jones discusses that she joined the organization because she believes that the sisterhood embedded in the foundation made her want to be a part of NCNW. Sisters who want to help advance the black community. She said, “I chose to be a board member because my mentor was the president, and she told me that I would be a great fit, so I applied to be Social Media/PR chair because it was perfect for me.”  

Asya Jones’s favorite memory was an end-of-year picnic where all the sisters came together and enjoyed each other’s company and food on the Tubman lawn—her most significant takeaway from the beginning apart of NCNW. Be authentic and genuine with your intentions to run. Also, make sure the principles of the organization align with your life and goals. Lastly, ofc be skilled or willing to learn about your duties as a board member. 

Hawa Smallwood is a freshman majoring in Kinesiology with a minor in Business Administration. Hawa was inducted into the NCNW organization in the Spring of 2023. Hawa states that the reason why she wanted to be a part of the organization is that NCNW has been an organization that sparked Hawa’s interest before arriving on DSU’s campus.  

Through social media, Hawa had come across NCNW’s DSU chapter Instagram page, along with the poised president. Hawa immediately asked her questions due to the excitement of advocating for the community. 

Hawa continued that her interest ceased to stop there; after dedicating much time to research, she came across NCNW’s impactful mission statement. The verbs “Lead, empower and advocate” reflected strength and commitment. Shoes that she knew she could fill. 

Hawa mentioned that something she didn’t know about the organization was that before being welcomed into the NCNW sisterhood, she was unaware of how much the DSU chapter of NCNW would be able to impact the community both on and off campus. 

 However, throughout the school year, NCNW has remained present and helpful to the family of DSU. One of her favorite gifts for the community was bags of toiletries and affirmations for the men on campus in honor of men’s mental health awareness. 

Hawa discusses the meaning of beginning a N’sister. She said “A majority believe a sisterhood is a group of women with a friendship – like a bond: a bond where disagreements never arise, a bond of laughs and giggles.  

However, beginning a N’sister comes with tears, disagreements, highs, and lows, but most importantly, the strength to build one another up. With sweat and tears, N’sisters are always there for one another. Likewise, if ever in need, my N’sister would be the first group of women I would depend on. 

Additionally, Hawa spoke on her biggest takeaway since beginning a part of NCNW. “Although my journey with NCNW has just started, so far, I have taken away many ways. In which I can better myself for personal growth and the community around me. 

NCNW is a great organization woman of color can be a part of. NCNW has excellent programs young girls can be a part of. NCNW is not only about opportunities. It’s about sisterhood and building memories. 

NCNW President Aaliyah announced the new N’sisters who were admitted at the end of the ceremony. At the end of the occasion, the girls gathered and said their motto. This occasion provided an excellent opportunity for friends and family to see their loved one’s induction. The girls who are a part of the organization are not only making a difference for the future but also leaving a legacy that will carry the importance of the first NCNW sister.