Councilwoman Crystal Evans was honored Friday night at The Anointed News Journal's annual black-tie gala at The Mansion, in Voorhees.
The Camden-based publication's 17th annual Black Tie Affair Gala was presented by Anointed founder and editor Chris Collins. It was hosted by Andre Collins, former NFL linebacker and Super Bowl XXVI champion.
Evans was among 13 honored at the "Circle of Winners" awards dinner. She became the first African-American woman to serve on the Gloucester Township Council when she was sworn in January 2008.
Among the others honored at Friday night's awards dinner were New Jersey Assemblyman Gilbert L. "Whip" Wilson and Grammy-nominated performer Yocantalie Jackson, a Camden resident.
Evans, whose term on the Township Council expires in just two weeks, told those in attendance at the awards dinner something that became her calling card over the past few years—that political party affiliation should not matter to those holding local elected office when helping and serving the people.
Evans was joined at the awards dinner by her father, Calvin C. Williams Sr., whose book, Instant Inspiration, she used a quote from in accepting her award.
"There will be times when rocks will be thrown and you will fall down; slingshots will come and even boulders," she said. "Each time we take a fall, we get back up and we build from that. We take those rocks, slingshots and boulders of adversity and build a platform and we rise."
The Anointed News Journal is an urban, faith-based news journal.
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