On May 6th 1984 Nia Ayana Laila Haqq was born in Newark, NJ to Majeeda Haqq. As the only child growing up in Hamilton Twp., NJ, she developed a close relationship with her mother. Their bond transcended that of mother and daughter and soon evolved into one that imitated the ties between best friends. She was often told that because of their relationship it made her develop an “old soul.”
Growing up as a “latchkey” child she learned quickly how to fend for herself. As a single parent, Majeeda worked several jobs to provide for her daughter. Often when Nia got home there was no one there to force her to do her homework, clean, or get herself ready for bed. Her mother often expressed to her that in life the only person that will take care of you is “you.” This turned her into a self-motivated and independent individual.
Nia attended North-Nottingham High School in Hamilton, NJ. While in High School she was involved in several of the school’s extracurricular activities, such as the Marching Band, Softball team, Peer Leadership program, Minority Mentoring program, Step Team and Latin Club. Aside from this she was also involved in a community Drill Team outside of her school. Nia loved Peer Leadership and Minority Mentoring because it was a great opportunity for her to help the younger classmen. It was always self-fulfilling for her to know that she could be the older student that her younger peers could confide in with their problems. Throughout the years she kept in close contact with some of the same people she helped mentor while in high school. It brought her a great sense of self reward knowing that she had an impact on someone else’s life. Softball was Nia’s way to keep in shape and relieve stress in high school. She always viewed exercise as her stress relieving outlet and a way to just clear her head from all of life’s problems. Nia joined the Marching Band, Step Team, and Community Drill Team because of a deep interest in performing. The Marching Band not only let her fulfill her interest, but it also allowed her an opportunity to support the school’s football team and show school spirit.
Nia entered The College of New Jersey in the fall of 2002. She was well known and loved by many students and faculty at the University, especially Professor Kim Pearson whom she was always spent time with. As an undergraduate student, Nia was active in the Black Student Union, NSBE, MAPS, and many other student organizations on the campus. She supported ALL of the African-American clubs and organizations at TCNJ, always furthering her passion to service her community. She also volunteered helping the Martin Houses with their clothing drives and building homes for the less fortunate in Trenton NJ. Through her aspirations of becoming a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Nia developed close personal relationships throughout the years with the members of the Zeta Sigma Chapter at TCNJ. Her interest was sparked from her grandmother, Khalida Haqq, who is a member of Epsilon Upsilon Omega Chapter. Her friendship’s within the chapter is how she later came to meet Michael Muchioki, the love of her life. Nia graduated from TCNJ, class of 2007, with a Bachelors Degree in Interactive Multimedia.
In September 2007 Nia began working as an Associate Producer for the Digital Team at Nickelodeon. Nia loved her job and the people she worked with. Her co-workers always spoke of her in such high regards, and are truly saddened by her death. Her aspirations to further her career goals, lead Nia to return to school for a graduate degree. She entered the Kaplan University Business Administration program, and was set to graduate with a Masters Degree in 2011.
Nia was a very kind, loving woman. You could always catch her smiling and/or laughing. There was never anything bad to say about her as she brought light to any situation or room she entered. Nia was very excited by her recent engagement to Michael. The couple had met during their collegiate years, and was together for almost 6 years. They were well known by their close friends as a quirky, comedic duo. Their friends often refer to their relationship as the epitome of what true love is. They lived life to the fullest, always enjoying every moment as best they could. The adventurous two, loved to travel together and have visited several places such as Miami, Mexico, Aruba, and The Dominican Republic. It was in Mexico that Mike proposed to Nia, and the two began planning the rest of their lives together. Their wedding was set to be a destination wedding in Aruba on April 2, 2011. Nia also had plans of home ownership as well as the couple were making arrangements to move into a home Michael already owned.
Nia loved her friends and family very dearly. Among these were her Best friends Shakira Farrior and Tyra Mingo that she met in grammar school. The three were often looked at as the three musketeers, with Nia being the calm peacemaker of the group. She also had a close personal relationship with her God Sister Kiana. Nia often spent time with her uncle Hussain Haqq, who she greatly respected and admired and is a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc.
Nia recently connected with her siblings on her father’s side and was excited by the newly formed bonds she was creating with them. She often took trips to North Carolina to visit and spend quality time with her half brother Howard Fuller, and half sister, Chelsi Fuller.
One of a kind, Nia Haqq was truly a blessing to all who came in contact with her. She was a ray of sunshine in the lives of many, and will truly be missed by her family, friends, and peers. Nia’s ability to touch the lives of so many through her golden personality was one of her greatest attributes. This coupled with Mike’s charisma is what will forever continue to impact many. To have heard of them was to be graced. To have met them was to be honored. To know them was to be blessed. Their memories will live on through eternity. May their souls R.I.P.