Ahmad Brisbane
On November 9, 2025, Lincoln University Section of 
The ceremony began with a welcome address from Ms. Adriona Smith, Lincoln University collegiate advisor, followed by an invocation from Shylize Swearingen Gibbs, Section Chaplin. To keep the show going, Mrs. Deidre Gray, NCNW Collegiate Liaison, offered words of power, purpose, and reflection, reminding attendees of the organization’s mission to uplift and empower all women of African descent and their familes.
The audience was treated to a moving praise dance performance by Zarris Hughes, the 52nd Miss Lincoln University of Pennsylvania, capturing the spirit of unity and grace to the ceremony.
Afterwards, the installation of officers, royal court, and committee chairs was announced by Mrs. E. April Baidal, the PA state Coalition’s First Vice President. The newly inducted leaders pledged to uphold NCNW’s standards and principles of service, strength, and sisterhood.
One of the most powerful moments of the program came from the keynote address, delivered by honorable Darisha K. Parker, Pennsylvania State Representative. Ms. Parker spoke passionately about leadership, civic engagement, and the vital role young women — especially those attending HBCUs — play in shaping the future. Her words were personal and inspiring that you could feel the room grow still as she motivated students to believe in their voice, stand strong on their purpose, and lead with compassion and understanding.
The moment the audience was waiting for, NCNW announced their newly inducted members, officially welcoming them into the sisterhood and growing family. Each inductee recited the NCNW pledge, committing to continue the legacy Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune — the founder of NCNW — and countless women across the globe who have continued the council’s mission since 1935.
Acknowledgements was then given by Nyshay Gordon, Parliamentarian, followed by closing remarks by Myah Belgrave, President of the NCNW Lincoln University of PA Section. The program concluded with a benediction by Shylize Gibbs-Swearingen.
After witnessing the program as a Lincoln student, I recognized that NCNW represents more than just a student organization, it’s a movement to empower women to lead, serve, and uplift others. Events like this will help students recognize how important it is to be a part of a historically Black university community, especially one rooted in legacy, service, and excellence. The ceremony was not just about inducting new members to grow the sisterhood, it was also to celebrate the sisterhood, honoring the tradition, and inspiring the next generation of leaders to have a bright future.
