EBONY SUBURBANITES (2)

EBONY SUBURBANITES

47th Annual

Debutante Cotillion

HUNTER VIVIAN SAMUEL

Congratulations Hunter!

Delvin and Charlotte Burton
Owners

Delvin and Charlotte Burton,
Owners

The Ebony Suburbanites

Presents their

47th Annual

Silhouettes of Loveliness

Sunday, December 27, 2020

Hyatt Regency New Brunswick
2 Albany Street

New Brunswick, NJ 08901

FEMI IMARI EPPS

Femi Imari, your name
means “God Love Me”
and “Strong.” May God
continue to love you and
keep you strong,
intelligent and loving.
You have worked hard to
meet goals that we know
you will continue to meet
with hard work. Focus on
your mission!

We are proud of you and always will be!

We love you,
Mom & Dad

THE EBONY SUBURBANITES

The Ebony Suburbanites is a nonprofit organization which has been in existence for forty-four
years. The organization is comprised of 25 dynamic ladies, who are pillars in the community,
committed to promoting scholarship and developing character, civic mindedness and leadership
qualities among the youth primarily in Middlesex and Somerset counties.

Through the years, the Ebony Suburbanites have sponsored numerous community and fundraising
affairs. Of these events, the “Silhouettes of Loveliness Debutante Cotillion” has been the group’s
main function. At this affair, young women are presented to society by highlighting their academic
achievements, community involvement and intent to pursue higher education. Those high school
seniors selected to participate are recommended by their guidance counselors, their clergy and
community leaders.

Along with the young women, there are also young men who share in this experience. These
young men are chosen by the “debs” to serve as their escorts for the Cotillion activities. These
activities start several weeks before the actual affairs. They include a cultural trip, a career day
and etiquette/charm classes.

Proceeds from the Cotillion, both fundraising and journal ad sales, as well as private scholarship
donations, are awarded to each debutante as a monetary scholarship to further her education. To
date, the Ebony Suburbanites have presented over 700 debutantes to society and have awarded
over 1.5 million in scholarships.

President’s Message

On behalf of the Ebony Suburbanites, I thank you for your
continued commitment to the 47th Annual Silhouettes
of Loveliness Debutante Cotillion. This year has been a
year like no other. When we first met our debutantes,
we could have never imagined that our year would be
disrupted in such an abrupt and challenging way. Yet
when faced with seemingly insurmountable odds, you
continued to persevere in ways that are both remarkable
and admirable.

Since the Cotillion’s inception, we have recognized
hundreds of young women and men for their
commitment to academic excellence and community
service. It is our opportunity to shine a light on their
accomplishments and acknowledge their hard work. This year, we all learned new ways to shine.
From the debutantes participating in our virtual activities to the parents who relentlessly
organized virtual fundraising efforts with no blueprint for doing so…you have all been true
champions throughout this experience. We hope that the scholarships that you have earned and
the relationships that you have developed will serve as a springboard to your educational pursuits.

To the Ebony Suburbanites, I am honored to stand side by side with you in our commitment to
scholarship, character and community. Thank you for stepping up to the plate this year as you do
every year! When faced with the challenge of designing and implementing a “virtual cotillion”,
you showed in endless ways how dedicated you are to our true purpose. Thank you for your time,
and thank you for your commitment to our debutantes, escorts and this organization.

To our donors and supporters, thank you for your continued support of our mission. The
generosity of the scholarships that you sponsored will go a long way, this year in particular.

Thank you to our families and friends for your continued support. With you by our sides, we will
provide opportunities for academic advancement to our communities for many years to come.

This experience has undoubtedly forever changed all of us. Let it challenge you in a way that
builds your character, strengthen you in a way that shows your resilience and prepare you in a
way that shapes your future. Congratulations!

Sincerely,

Shawn Harvey Roberson

Ebony Suburbanites, President

2020 Ebony Suburbanites

Officers

Shawn Harvey Roberson, President Jill Pressley, Vice President

Wanda Mitchell, Treasurer Kisha Adkins, Assistant Treasurer

Joyce Davidson, Financial Secretary Shanice Jackson, Secretary

Nanette Geeston, Chaplain Dewanna Graham, Parliamentarian

Members

Linda Belnavis Elvira Harris Nikkia Scott

Alyssa Blake Barbara Jordon Ericka Truesdale

Evelyn Blount Dionne McMillan Alicia Williams

Deidra Britt Nomora Pearyer Judy Williams

Melissa Brooks Muriel Grimmett Ray Karen Towns Worsley

T. Ann Brown Lola Samuel C. Staci Yarborough

Laura Ford Kim Scott

Cotillion Committee Chairpersons

Journal Program Scholarship
Kisha Adkins Shanice Jackson Shawn Harvey Robeson
Nomora Pearyer
Screening Alyssa Blake
Alicia Williams Tickets & Seating
Dewanna Graham Time & Place
Jill Pressley Laura Ford
Charter Members
Glenda Simmons
Phyllis Hailes
Margaret Rumph
Glenda Simmons

In Remembrance of our
Dearly Departed Club members

Marie Spruill, 1994
Doris Bryant 1999
Lillian Holder, 1999
Bessie Jackson, 2000
Mary Tillman 2002
Juanita James 2004
Louise Seright 20005 (Founder)
Elizabeth Ransom 2009
Judyann Walkes 2010
Rachel McNair 2013
Doris Wilson 2014
Martha Voorhees 2017 (Founder)
Carolyn Jean Jones 2020

Members of the Ebony Suburbanites

Our Newest Members Since 2019

(left to right) Joyce Davidson, C. Staci Yarborough, Alyssa Blake and Melissa Brooks

Back Row: (left to right) Dewanna Graham, Shanice Jackson, Nikkia Scott, Normora Pearyer, Judy
Williams, Shawn Harvey Roberson, Linda Belnavis, Wanda Mitchell, Kisha Adkins, Deidra Britt, Alicia
Chambers, Nanette Geeston
Front Row: (left to right) Phyllis Hailes, Muriel Grimmett-Ray, Glenda Simmons, Laura Ford, Barbara
Jordon, Elvira Harris, Kim Scott, Allison Carey Brown, Lola Samuel, Jill Pressley.

Members Not present: Ericka Truesdale, Dionne McMillan, T. Ann Brown, Margaret Rumph, Karen Towns-
Worsley, and Evelyn Blount

Cotillion Chairperson
Jill Pressley

I would like to start by commending our “Silhouettes of
Loveliness” Debutantes for making it through this year with
strength and grace. We are so proud of how you have navigated
the changes that you faced at school, at home and as a part of
the Ebony Suburbanites Cotillion experience. While we were not
able to execute our normal in-person activities, you stayed
committed to the process and still made this year a success!

The process for pulling together a program such as ours begins in
October as we solicit names of deserving young ladies from
School Counselors, and it typically ends with a Cotillion in June.
When faced with the fact that we would not be able to have the
Cotillion, the Ebony Suburbanites worked hard to figure out a way to still fulfill our commitment
to helping our debutantes raise money for college. That is when the “virtual cotillion” was born.

This year, instead of in-person activities and fundraisers, we implemented a fully virtual program.
Debutantes stayed connected through virtual events, talking with their mentors and conducting
creative online fundraisers to raise money for their scholarships. The determination that the
debutantes showed throughout this process was truly amazing.

We are so grateful for the parents of our Debutantes that stepped up in a major way this year.
Thank you for staying committed to the process and partnering with the Ebony Suburbanites on
this virtual journey. Our organization’s goal is always to enrich the lives and experiences of our
youth and to promote scholarship, leadership and service. We worked hard, with your support,
to continue in that tradition.

Our Class of 2020 “Silhouettes of Loveliness” Debutantes have so much to be proud of. They are
truly a group of deserving young ladies that have had a unique experience that they will never
forget. We are honored that they have joined our long line of Ebony Suburbanite Debutantes.

To this very special class of Debutantes, carry the words of Carole Joy with you, “I will be patient
with myself and with others remembering that it takes a lifetime to become all that we are meant
to be.” We wish you all the very best, and we will always consider you a part of our family.

Best Wishes,

Jill Pressley

Program Chairpersons
Nomora Pearyer & Shanice Jackson

It has been an honor to serve as
Chairpersons of the Program Committee for
the 2020 Silhouettes of Loveliness Cotillion.
This cotillion process was indeed a unique
one as we shifted to a virtual experience. To
begin the cotillion process, the Club provided
the space for a mental health check-in to
both explore and process thoughts and
feelings about the national health crisis. The Debs participated in a retreat and
engaged in activities and discussion to foster bonding, sisterhood and self-care. As
a way of promoting women leadership, the Debs and club members joined a Netflix
party to view and discuss “She Did That”, a documentary showcasing the lives of
Black female entrepreneurs who are building legacies and paving the way for future
generations. The Club presented a mindfulness and meditation workshop
facilitated by Ms. Krystle Davis, MSW, LCSW, and owner of ISLY Therapy &
Wellness. Additionally, Jalen Washington, LAMFT, NCC, facilitated a presentation
and dialogue surrounding financial wellness during the “Budgeting for College”
workshop.

We acknowledge that the Debs have been met with some unprecedented twists
and turns throughout their senior year yet remained dedicated to balancing
academic responsibilities, employment and fundraising to support their individual
scholarships. They have shown creativity, tenacity and the ability to accept and
conquer challenges. Life is a journey and the Debs have gracefully displayed their
desires for greatness.

Best Regards,

Normora Pearyear & Shanice Jackson

“If you can't fly then run, if you can't run then walk, if you can't walk then crawl,
but whatever you do you have to keep moving forward.” - Martin Luther King Jr.





FEMI IMARI EPPS

To all of the family and friends who have helped to nurture and shape our girl FEMI.

Dear Greg, Anissa and Essian,

Not only is Femi beautiful outside, she is beautiful inside.
Femi is a beautiful soul who is not afraid or embarrassed to
love her church and to love her God. She worships Him by
praising Him in dance as King David did.

Femi shows that she cares about the development of other
people by working in an elementary school aftercare program
and by helping high school freshmen adapt to their new school

environment.

Femi is an excellent scholar. She is a member of the National
Honor Society. She is an orator. She has been accepted to
several colleges. Femi is an athlete. She plays volleyball. And,
Femi is constantly improving herself because she knows that
no matter how much you know there is always more to learn.

A BEAUTIFUL MIND, BODY AND SOUL.

A young woman who is all that the ancestors had hoped for.
Greg, Anissa, Essian, you have done a magnificent job. Femi is
a bright young woman with a bright future.

Love Always,
Grand Uncle & Grand Aunt Helen

AMOURA TROI GARRISON

AMOURA, YOUR AUNTIES
ARE SO PROUD OF YOU!

“For I know the plans I have for you,”
declares the LORD,

“plans to prosper you and not harm you,
plans to give you hope and a future.”
-Jeremiah 29:11

Love Aunties
Kim, Tracy & Kisha

DONARI JOY MOSBY



KYRA JADE EASON

Kyra, we are so very proud of the young lady you
have become. Continue to find your purpose,
pursue it relentlessly, passionately and loudly.
We know you are headed for greatness.
Love always,
Mommy and Daddy

Kyra Jade Eason

The passionate, kind and gentle-spirited Kyra Jade Eason
is the loving daughter of Isaac Eason Jr. and Kenya
Eason. A lift-long resident of Somerset, NJ. Kyra resides
with her mother and father along with her older brother
Isaac Eason III.

Kyra is a graduating senior at Union Catholic High
School. During her four years of high school, she
participated in Glamour Gals, Service Club, Heath Club,
African American Cultural Appreciation Club, and the
Yearbook Club.
Outside of school, Kyra has been a member of the
National Sorority of Phi Delta Kappa, Inc. since the ninth
grade. She participated in various community activities
such as, holiday drives, back to school drives, breast
cancer/lupus walks and Rutgers football games concession stands. Kyra has also been a member
of Delta G.E.M.S/ Delta Sigma Theta Sorority since the sixth grade, where she is able to enhance
her leadership skills, appreciate the true meaning of self-love and take control of her future.

Passionate and persistent about a future career in nursing Kyra volunteers at Saint Peter's
University Hospital on the weekends. She plans on going to college to major in nursing to become
a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner. Her choices of colleges are Delaware State University and Bowie
State University.

Kyra realizes that without the support from her family and loved ones should would not be where
she is today. She most importantly owes all her success and blessings to God. Without Him she
would not have been exposed to such great things in her life. Lastly, she is very thankful for the
Ebony Suburbanites for guiding her through this experience and inviting her into a lifelong
sisterhood.

Femi Imari Epps

Quintessence of unique, a fitting phrase that best describes
the lovely young lady Femi Imari Epps, daughter of
Gregory Kenneth Epps and Anissa Lynn Epps. Femi
recently moved to Piscataway, N.J. during the summer of
2017 with her parents and her brother Essien Epps. She
moved from Bloomfield, N.J where she lived for more than
ten years. Through this journey another member was added
to the family, her dog whose name is Dash.

Femi is a graduating senior at Piscataway High School.
During her high school experience, she participated in four
years of volleyball. This year her team for the first time
made it to the semi-finalsor their GMCs, and advanced to
the quarter finals. Femi participated in other school
activities including, Black Culture Society (BCS), Chiefs
for Christ, the Photo Club and is a member of the senior board, on the Aspire Club.

Outside of school activities, Femi is a proud member of Cathedral International Church in Perth
Amboy, NJ. where she is a New Jersey Orator for the Cathedral Chapter. She is also a member of
the liturgical dance ministry now for twelve years. Outside of church she participates in a program
called Delta G.E.M.S, where girls go through a process to better themselves and become young
ladies of the community. Aside from extra curricula activities, Femi works in an aftercare program
at Knollwood Elementary School in Piscataway, NJ.

Femi’s would like to attend either Rutgers University or Howard University to major in
environmental engineering. She believed if earth had a face it would look helpless and dejected
because of the harmful poisons that the human race has afflicted upon it. Therefore, it is makes her
mission to better the world by finding solutions to prevent further damage that mankind has caused.

Femi is thankful to her family for all their encouragement and support. She also wants to thank
God for bestowing this wonderful blessing onto her. Lastly, she wants to thank the Ebony
Suburbanites for giving her this opportunity as she begins her journey in college.

Amoura Troi Garrison

Amoura Garrison is the talented, ambitious and loving daughter
of Darrin and Jackie Garrison. Born on August 1, 2002, Amoura
is the youngest of two sisters, Ashley and Ananda. Often

d

complimented on her big beautiful smile, Amoura works hard to
maintain an optimistic attitude and view of life.

Amoura is a senior at Franklin High School where she has
participated in a number of clubs and extracurricular activities
such as Sisters Training for Life which is a leadership and
mentoring support group that provides guidance and assistance
for high school young ladies. She and her fellow sisters bond with
one another while completing community service projects to
benefit the less fortunate and attend conferences that help and
challenge the sisters to grow personally.
During her Junior year, Amoura and her sisters attended a special “Debt-Free Conference” where
they learned how to responsibly plan for and handle their finances.

Amoura is a proud member of The National Sorority of Phi Delta Kappa, Epsilon Alpha Inc. (better
known as EA) which she joined during her sophomore year. EA challenged her to step out of her
comfort zone and participate in activities that she would not have considered otherwise. Much like
Sisters Training for Life, Amoura credits EA membership with teaching her how to break out of
her shell. She has participated in several community service events such as Lupus walks, Breast
Cancer walks, Autism walks as well as Toys for Tots and Socks for Seniors. In her senior year she
became the Chaplain and is charged with leading the members in prayer

In addition to these clubs, Amoura has a passion for dance. She has been dancing since the age of
four and is looking forward to owning her own dance studio in the future. Amoura was awarded
an internship at Modern Motion Dance Studio which allowed her to experience teaching younger
students. It also helped her to grow as a choreographer. At Franklin High, Amoura is in the honors
dance class and will continue to pursue and perfect her craft in college where she plans to major
in dance and business at Morgan State University.

Amoura thanks God for her family and friends. Their love and support has been endless and she
greatly appreciates them. She especially thanks her mother and father for always pushing her to
be her best self.

Donari Joy Mosby

Ambitious, resilient and energetic are words that gives a
glimpse of Donari Joy Mosby the kind-hearted daughter of
Donald and Kimberly Mosby. Donari was born on August
10, 2002 at Hackensack University Medical Center and
resides in the Newport Waterfront Area of Jersey City,
New Jersey with her parents and older brother Dondre’.

Donari is an intelligent graduating senior at County Prep High
School, as reflected in her 3.7 GPA. Currently, Donari is a
proud member of 407 Dance Company. She fell in love with
dancing at the early age of two while attending Jersey City
Dance Academy.

Outside of family and school activities, Donari has been a
Girl Scout since the age of five as a Daisy Girl Scout and presently holds the rank of
Ambassador Girl Scout where she is a leader amongst her peers. Donari had the honor and
privilege of being one of six girl scouts in the state of New Jersey invited to the White House to
meet Michelle Obama for the “Let Girls Learn Initiative” based on her ability to lead her troop
into top sales status and community leadership.

Donari attends North Stelton A.M.E. Church in Piscataway, New Jersey. She is a member of the
Y.P.D. (Young Peoples Division), and Scholarship Ministry. Donari also, volunteers in the church
nursery, food pantry and reads for the Shirley A. Saunders Reading Enrichment Sessions.

Donari’s future plans include a career in nursing or dentistry. She has dreams of attending Howard
University in September. Thus far, Donari has been accepted to Hampton, Penn State, Fairleigh
Dickinson, William Paterson, Montclair, Kean and Delaware Valley Universities.

Donari’s is appreciative of the many blessings that have been bestowed upon her. She knows this
opportunity could not have been possible without the love and support of her parents. Alexis is
also very thankful for her lovely sponsor

Alexis Aliyah Robinson

High achieving, athletic, and inquisitive could only begin to
describe Alexis Aliyah Robinson. This outgoing young lady,
born in Brooklyn, NY is the daughter of Linda Samuel-
Robinson and Elijah Robinson. Alexis currently resides in
South Plainfield, N.J. with her parents and older brother,
Elijah Robinson.

A graduating senior at South Plainfield High School, Alexis
maintains a 3.7 GPA. Throughout her four years of high
school, Alexis has exemplified leadership, hardwork and
dedication playing varsity soccer all four years
of her high school career, as well as varsity basketball for
three. Alexis was the captain of both the varsity soccer and
basketball teams. In addition to this, she participated as a
student representative in her school’s student council.
During her junior year, Alexis was inaugurated into The National Honor’s Society.

Aside from school activities, Alexis has always been an active member of her community and was
the president of The Archonettes, which is a youth group under Zeta Phi Beta Sorority
Incorporated, Omega Mu Zeta Chapter. As an Archonette, Alexis volunteered for Habitat for
Humanity and Making Strides Against Breast Cancer participating in their annual walk.
Alexis plans on continuing her education to major in Liberal Studies. Her top college of choice
is Hampton University. Other prospective schools of choice are Seton Hall University and Rutgers
University.

Alexis is appreciative of the many blessings that have been bestowed upon her. She knows this
opportunity could not have been possible without the love and support of her parents. Alexis is
also very thankful for her lovely sponsor Karen Ross.

Hunter Vivian Samuel

Intelligent and humble, playful but serious, quiet yet sassy
are just a few of the words used to describe Hunter Vivian
Samuel. Born on October 21, 2002, Hunter is the eldest child
of Anthony Samuel and Lola Stewart-Samuel. She
displayed evidence of her tenacity and goal orientation at an
early age by arriving exactly on her due date. A responsible
daughter, a diligent student, a dependable teammate, and
dedicated big sister, Hunter demonstrates a commitment to
excellence in all that she does.

Hunter is an active member of her Piscataway High School
sports community. She’s earned eight varsity letters across
three sports including girls’ soccer, spring track and winter
cheerleading. As a freshman, she earned a starting position
on the girls’ varsity soccer team and maintained that status
all four years.

A four-year member of the National Sorority of Phi Delta Kappa, Epsilon Alpha Chapter Xinos,
Hunter is an active participant of the local Xinos chapter. She’s been part of numerous community
service initiatives including the Sisters’ Network Breast Cancer Walks, Autism Speaks, Socks for
Seniors at the Spring Hills Assisted Living facility and the Zakee Bowser Foundation’s Christmas
Donation projects. In addition, she was part of the first place award winning step team at the 2019
regional conference.

Hunter is the epitome of the meaning of scholar-athlete. Although she took full advantage of her
school’s extracurricular activities, Hunter pursued her education with equal vigor. Throughout her
entire high school career, Hunter has taken a full course load of honors and Advanced Placement
classes. Maintaining a 4.0 cumulative GPA and ranking in the top 10% of her graduating class,
Hunter has a passion for learning and excels in the areas of science and math. Her dream is to
pursue a career in sports medicine where she can combine both her affinity for sports and her
passion for exceling at math.

Hunter Vivian is thankful to God, her family and friends, mentors and teachers for all of their love
and support. Her family are members of Abundant Life Family Worship Church. She is grateful
for the love and support she’s received from her family throughout the years. She’d like to
especially thank her mom and dad for always pushing her beyond where she thinks she can go.
Hunter would also like to thank her brother Dylan and sister Leah for always being in her corner.

Silhouettes of Loveliness

Kyra Jade Eason

Femi Imari Epps

Amoura Troi Garrison

Donari Joy Mosby

Alexis Aliyah Robinson

Hunter Vivian Samuel

Debutante Kyra Jade Eason

Debutante Femi Imari Epps

Debutante Amoura Troi Garrison

Debutante Donari Joy Mosby

Debutante Alexis Aliyah Robinson

Debutante Hunter Vivian Samuel

DEBS JUST WANNA HAVE FUN!

KYRA JADE EASON

KYRA JADE EASON

FEMI IMARI EPPS

Congratulations
My Dear Femi,

Approach life with open mind to receive blessings from
uncommon sources. Do not let anyone tell you what you can

or cannot do, achieve greatness at
Morgan State University Honors College.
God is the navigator of your destiny; you just

have to listen and drive.

Love,
Dad

Compquotes Inc.

Surveillance and Electronic Security Systems

Free Estimates on all jobs. No job too big. No job too small.
Call Greg Epps at (201) 805- 0919

FEMI IMARI EPPS

We are proud of you
We love you. This is a special day for you.

Congratulations!
Chuck and Jocelyn

FEMI IMARI EPPS

CONGRATULATIONS FEMI!

From the time you set foot on earth, you have stride to set goals for yourself
and have danced through each one. Your footprints have been ordered by the
Lord and they are unmatchable but can be followed by anyone who dares to

excel.
I am so proud of the young Lady you have become and cannot wait see where
the road of life is leading you. Just continue to stay on beat with the Lord

and let Him order your steps and I will be waiting at the end of each
pathway to give you a standing ovation!!

Love you,

Genella Bond (Grandma Bond)
I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you

with my eye upon you. Psalm 32:8

FEMI IMARI EPPS

“God is within her; she will not fail”- Psalm 46:5

“She is clothed with strength and dignity and laughs without fear of the
future”-Proverbs 31:5

Femi, we are so proud of what you have done, what you are doing, and what
you will continue to do.

Keep shining your light for others to see.

Love,
4 Little Souls Inc.
Mariah, Jordan, Joelle, & Jonathan

4 Little Souls Inc. is a 501©3 organization whose mission is to help God’s
little souls everywhere by providing access to basic resources such as shelter,

clothing, education, food, and health.

FEMI IMARI EPPS

FEMI IMARI EPPS

FEMI IMARI EPPS

We are so proud of you!
What you do today can

improve all of your
tomorrows.

Stay encouraged.

Love,
The Fosters

FEMI IMARI EPPS

FEMI IMARI EPPS

Congratulations on your achievements!

We are proud of you and we also know the best is yet to
come!

Good luck at school and make us proud
Stephen J. Valentine, Esq.

FEMI IMARI EPPS

AMOURA TROI GARRISON

AMOURA TROI GARRISON

AMOURA TROI GARRISON

AMOURA TROI GARRISON

AMOURA TROI GARRISON

AMOURA TROI GARRISON

Congratulations to our cousin
Amoura Garrison,

Ebony Suburbanites Silhouette of Loveliness.

You are indeed a beautiful flower that continues
to blossom. Over the years your parents have
laid a supportive foundation before you. You
have participated in the School of Arts Dance
Company and other activities.
Today we the 1st ladies of the
Zakee Bowser Enrichment Foundation
applaud you for a job well done!

As you leave for Morgan State University hold
your head up high, conquer every task and be
the phenomenal young lady you were born to be.

The time has come for you to
spread our wings and soar.

Be all you can be.

Blessings and Favor,
Gina & Dina Bowser