N.I.A.R.A. makes a full circle and gives back to FAMU

Ten years ago, a group of sisters left their mark on the campus of Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University. As a part of their homecoming celebration, they partnered with FAMU’s Meek-Eaton Black Archives to showcase their “Beauty of Sisterhood Exhibition” by presenting a historical Homecoming exhibit. 

The Opening Presentation Ceremony of the “Beauty of Sisterhood Exhibition” took place on Thursday in the Meek-Eaton Black Archives Research Center and Museum. The Ceremony was hosted by the remarkable Spring 2009 Initiates of the Beta Alpha Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. 

Students gathered and learned about N.I.A.R.A.’s history and impact on the campus of FAMU, the items displayed in their exhibition and what they symbolize and helped celebrate as members donated a generous amount of money to the Black Archives. 

In the Spring 2009, N.I.A.R.A. hit the campus with a bang. Members “ran the yard” and the Royal Court by holding titles as Miss Junior Attendant, Miss Senior Attendant, Queen of Orange and Green and Miss FAMU. 

Lindsey E. Johnson said, “For us, our foundation is Florida A&M University. Had it not been for this university, we would not have had the opportunity to meet one another.”

Today, N.I.A.R.A. consists of entrepreneurs, engineers, lawyers, doctors, etc. and has left a positive effect on FAMU’s campus and in their community’s. 

Monique Mitchell said, “The N.I.A.R.A. effect represents our line as initiates of The Beta Alpha Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. Collectively, we are a group of women that come from different walks of life and are doing amazing things. It symbolizes the effect we had on FAMU. We were heavily involved on campus by being participants in SGA, the Royal Court and by being influential in our colleges of study.”

Items that are displayed in the “Beauty of Sisterhood Exhibition” include: The Wooden Pearlized Ivy, the Line Jacket, the Sister Soldier poster, a special photograph of N.I.A.R.A., and the N.I.A.R.A. lipstick that serves as a fundraiser for the University. 

Members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated presented a donation to the Black Archives.
Photo courtesy Myeisha Gibson

Khindra Decossard said, The Black Archives is a vital piece of the University. We thought it would be great to identify items that were significant to our line’s history that told a story and showed a connection between us as students on FAMU’s campus and the students in our organization’s legacy. 

“Our legacy is archived here. We saw this as an opportunity to tell the story of us as N.I.A.R.A. and the legacy we have built and left behind. We pinpointed specific items that we felt could tell our story when you saw them,” said Decossard. 

The lipstick is unique and significant because it was an effective and efficient fundraiser that contributes one hundred percent of its proceeds to FAMU. N.I.A.R.A. partnered with a black-owned cosmetic company by the name of Love and Good Lips to create a vibrant hot pink lipstick perfect for all complexions that is also vegan.

These impactful women are still making a difference today. A notable experience they participated in was a trip to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico where they enjoyed sisterly relations and did a community service project at a local orphanage by giving back through their service. 

If you are interested in learning more about N.I.A.R.A. and would like to donate to FAMU by purchasing the N.I.A.R.A. lipstick, be sure to visit them on Instagram @theniaraeffect or online at www.niaraxlovengoodlips.com