After a period of decline when it nearly disappeared, the Imani Chapter of The National Council of Negro Women (NCNW) of Seton Hall University has returned full force. During this academic year, membership has grown from five, not including the reconstituted executive board, to more than 25. The majority of the members now are freshman.
Brenda Knight, secretary to the dean of arts and sciences, said she has seen this organization grow from being an unknown group to a now prominent and active organization of young women.
"We've had lows in and out with the organization, every organization does, but there is no need to dwell on them. We have to continue moving on," Knight said, who has been with the chapter since it was chartered 16 years ago.
NCNW brings together African American women on campus to promote programs, social awareness, and overall unity. They have achieved their goals through co-sponsorships, programs, and advertising in hopes of receiving recognition and building membership as well as general support, according to Knight.
Knight said NCNW has been involved, co-sponsored and hosted a variety of programs with the African Student Association (ASA), Black Student Union (BSU), Haitian Organization Promoting Education (HOPE) and National Society of collegiate scholars. They also have incorporated Greek life with their involvement including Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc. Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc., Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. and Lambda Tau Alpha Sorority Inc.
Jalisa Smith, a junior biology major, served as vice president for NCNW.
"Our programs were very entertaining and interesting this year," Smith said. "We try to make out programs interactive."
The Imani Chapter recently celebrated its 21st Annual NCNW and BSU formal and is waiting for Mother's Day to celebrate its annual Mother-Daughter Tea. The group's most successful program this year was "SHU Girls Rock" which recognized women on Seton Hall's campus for leadership, academics, talents and more, according to Smith.
Maxlande Anglande, a senior sociology major and community service chair for NCNW said: "I'm so glad that we were able to pull off SHU Girls Rock. NCNW has been trying to put on this program for years and we were finally able to get it done."
She added that once a month, the chapter also takes on a community service project to raise awareness about a specific cause. Each of these programs, co-sponsorships, and service initiatives incorporates the chapter's core values and mission.
NCNW was recognized as SHU Organization of the Month in October 2012, and members said they believe the upcoming years hold promise.
Smith, who will move into the president position next year, said "Our goal for next year is to continue to build a high standard and raise the bar higher. We don't want to get too comfortable with our success of this year."
Faculty advisor Knight also won Woman of the Year for 2013. For the future, Knight said she sees "NCNW continuing to play an operational part of the University, they will know who we are and what we do."
Assie Bangura can be reached at assiebangura@icloud.com.
