Miriam & Marquet
Wedding Party
Nakia “Kia” Gaines
Maid of Honor
Kia is Miriam's (Myra’s) oldest friend since first grade. She and Myra met on the first day of 1st grade at Barnard School in New Haven. Myra had just come to CT from NY. They became friends and never left each other’s side. Friends turned sisters. They grew up together from that point on, attending drill teams, middle school, and high school together. Myra is Kia’s first daughter Monaijaha’s proud Godmother. Kia will be standing in her rightful place on Myra’s big day in love and sisterhood.
Chrishanna “Chuck” Howard
Maid of Honor
Myra’s first sister by DNA will be standing by her side on her proudest day. Chuck is a protector, loving supporter and extremely caring person in Myra’s life. Although she is tough as nails (lol) she will always do anything in her power to make sure her sister is good. As the one and only big sister, she will always touch the deepest part of Myra’s heart.
JaConna “Jae” Sowell
Maid of Honor
Jae is a longtime friend turned sister of Myra’s. These two were inseparable after they met on Day Street. Jae introduced Myra to LEAP and they spent every summer together in camp and then became counselors. Jae shared her amazing grandma “Nan” with Myra who lost her grandma before age 5. These two were glued together during their teenage years, partying, working to become independent, and enjoying life. They both fulfilled their dreams of going away to HBCUs and have been connecting at the heart to this day. Jae will be standing with Myra for this powerful occasion as she has always done since they met.
Chante “Téya” Brown
Bridesmaid
Teya and Myra became close back in the early 2000s when Myra returned from Morgan State University. They are family by definition and action. Both were pursuing degrees and living life to the fullest at that time. Partying was an understatement and still is when they get together. They connected over their love for real hip hop and especially going to see Jay Z.'s concerts. Their bond is tight and defined by their common belief that loyalty is everything. Teya has been nothing but loyal and supportive in Myra’s life as they’ve been thick as thieves for almost 2 decades! She will be taking her rightful place standing with Myra on her big day.
Kammie Welch
Bridesmaid
Auntie of the bride, Kammie played a major role in Myra’s upbringing. The confidence and self-worth you see in Myra today started with Kammie instilling empowering words into her. Kammie would tell Myra often how smart she was, how beautiful she was and how deserving she was. Kammie is the life of the party and always lit up anything they did with joy when helping raise Myra. She taught Myra how to never settle for less especially when it came to her career and dating. She taught Myra about struggle and how not to take advantage of all she had. The most important value Kammie upheld was not making judgments. Kammie is the left side of the anchor that has grounded Myra throughout her life. She will be standing tall on Myra’s big day still holding her down as usual.
Angela Watson
Bridesmaid
Auntie Angela is often assumed to be Myra’s mom because they basically have the same face (lol) and wherever you say Myra you saw her. When growing up the first 10 years in CT auntie Angela would be seen walking Myra to and from Barnard School, walking downtown to the mall, or on the bus to Milford. Auntie Angela taught Myra so much about hard work, making your own money, and how to spend it (lol). Everyone knows Auntie Angela can shop! Auntie Angela’s work ethic is like no other. She showers Myra how to be dedicated and reliable with her word. Over the years she taught Myra how to cook. Myra had the honor of driving her auntie everywhere because the NY in her did not want to learn how to drive (lol). Auntie Angela supported Myra with Emery ever since she was born. She babysat Emery for the first two years of her life which Myra could never repay her for. She is one of the holders of tradition, often reminding Myra of how her grandmother did things and raised the family. Auntie Angela is the right side of that anchor that’s been grinding Myra all of her life. Of course, she will be standing strong anchoring Myra as she walks into unity on her wedding day.
Cynthia Watson
Mother of the Bride
Cynthia Watson became Myra’s mother after the loss of the great Flora Lee Watson (Myra’s grandmother). She has been the most compassionate, strong, and encouraging mother that Myra could have ever asked for. Cynthia inspired Myra to be self-sufficient, successful in her career, and a caring person. Without any expectation, she has loved and guided Myra throughout her life and still is there for her in every way. She was an example in every area of life. She created many opportunities for Myra to see beyond the city he lived in and to aspire to be anything she wanted. All of the success Myra has today is because of Cynthia. Becoming a grandma to her “handler” Emery has been a special thing to watch. She has joined Myra I being Emery’s personal chauffeur, cheerleader, and supporter. When the toughest times hit she always had open arms and a room ready for her grand and daughter. The things she has done can never be repaid and Myra will forever be grateful for her mom. She will proudly walk down the aisle as the mother of the bride and that honor she deserves.
Terrell Johnson
Best Man
Brother of the groom who will be right by his side on his wedding day.