Brief History

FORMATION OF THE NIAO DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION IN THE AMERICAS INC. (NDAA)

It was in the year 1998 when the idea of seeking the welfare of Niao in the Americas and providing direct assistance/development to the people of Niao in Liberia, came to the mind of Gaye Duwah Sleh Jr. After thinking it through, he consulted other permanent Niao in the City of Chicago, the State of Illinois. Each person he spoke with was in full support of such a brilliant idea.
Those contacted are:
1. Mr. Isaac Vowal
2. Mr. David Karwo
3. Mr. Tay S. Doe
4. Mr. Ulan Dukpee Bohn
5. Ambassador Harold G. Tarr, Sr.

Out of the concern that the Niao in Chicago were the largest group of Grand Gedeans in the States, organizing a Niao Association would take away from the local Grand Gedeh Association's chapter, so the formation did not occur in 1998.

In 1999, the desire to seeking the welfare of Niao in the Americas and providing direct development assistance to Niao in Liberia would not go away. Mr. Sleh again engaged his fellow clan's men mentioned above and this time they overwhelmingly embraced the idea of forming The Niao Development Association in the Americas. In April of 1999, the first official meeting was held at the residence of Ambassador Harold G. Tarr, Sr. That meeting was chaired by Hon.Gaye D. Sleh, Jr. During the meeting, the issue of a permanent Chairman to lead the organizing effort was put on the floor for discussion. It was unanimously agreed that since Mr. Gaye D. Sleh, Jr. birth the idea, he should chair the organizing process. Mr. Sleh accepted the responsibility.
Those present at the second meeting were:
1. Hon. Gaye Duwah Sleh, Jr.
2. Ambassado Harold G. Tarr, Sr.
3. Mr. Tay S. Doe
4. Mr. Isaac Vowal
5. Mr. David G. Karwo
6. Mr. Ulan Dukpee Bohn
7. Ms. Evangeline M. Tarr
8. Mr. Joseph K. Solo**
9. Mr. Nathan Tarr
10. Mr. Edward Tarr

Niao in other States who were identified are:
1. Mr. Bondy Breeze** - PA
2. Ms. Beatrice Collins - PA
3. Mr. Arthur Barton - PA
4. Ms. Emma Breeze - MI
5. C. Nathaniel Garr, Sr. - PA
6. Ms. Esther J. Tarlue** - MI

In 2002, Mr. Tay Samuel Doe was elected the first President of the Niao Development Association in the Americas. NDAA. Also In the year 2000, the first constitution was drafted by the constitution committee which included the following persons:
1. Hon. Charles Gaye Breeze, Jr. - Chairman
2. Hon. Gaye D. Sleh, Jr.
3. Mr. Joseph K. Solo**
4. Ms. Beatrice Swen

In 2017 the organization encounter a very serious conflict that broke it into two parts. After three years of being apart the conflict was resolved and they became one body again. Today, under the leadership of the first female president Madam Beatrice Hansford Swen, there is only one Niao Association. To God be the glory. The Niao Development Association have had 16 conventions, 5 elected presidents and one interim president since its formation.

NOTE: The seven original members are considered the founding fathers.

** Indicates Deceased