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On Saturday, February 22, the nonprofit organization Inspire Life hosted its annual Black Excellence Ball at the Sheraton Grand Ballroom in Eatontown, celebrating the outstanding contributions of Black leaders in Central Jersey.
Among the honorees was Dyese Davis, a Brookdale Community College Trustee and Chief of Staff to Senator Vin Gopal and Assemblymembers Margie Donlon and Luanne Peterpaul, who received the Emerging Leader Award for her dedication to public service and community advocacy.
“I believe in doing hard work, I believe in achieving what it is that I can achieve for the greater good,” Davis shared during her remarks. “I’m always led by what it is that I can do for my community.”
Also instrumental in the event’s success was Carla VanZant, an adjunct professor at Brookdale Community College, who co-founded Inspire Life alongside Pastor Semaj VanZant. Inspire Life is a Neptune-based nonprofit dedicated to empowering youth and families through education, mentorship, and community support. The organization runs various initiatives, including youth summer programs designed to prevent learning loss and The Freedom School, which fosters literacy and a love of reading among young people.
The event, themed as a Mardi Gras celebration, featured two performances by Alexander Simone and the Who Dat Live Crew and honored six distinguished community leaders.
Other honorees included:
- Dorian Parreott – Legacy Award (Lifelong music educator)
- Rev. Tassie York – Impact Award (Neptune Committee Member and former Mayor)
- Steven Lawson – Business Leader Award (Owner of Lawson Funeral Home & Cremation Services)
- Kanesha Jones – Community Builder Award (President of the Central Jersey Club of NANBPWC & Director at Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine)
- Carrie Turner – Ally Award (Executive Director of the Asbury Park Arts Council)
Proceeds from the event will directly support Inspire Life’s Freedom School, ensuring that local youth have access to enriching summer programs that promote academic success and personal growth.
