Voices Of Asbury
Voices of Asbury, is a powerful testament to the strength and dedication of individuals who want to make Asbury Park a better place for everyone. It highlights the importance of amplifying voices of those who work tirelessly to uplift their community, improve their neighborhoods, and inspire positive change. Whether you grew up in Asbury Park, or have lived there for many years, these photographs show that making a difference is achievable with determination and heart.
Nina Summerlin
Nina Summerlin has been a part of the Asbury Park community for over 40 years and has spent 33 of those years volunteering to help make it a better place. Born in Neptune, NJ, in 1967, she moved to Asbury Park in 1979 and quickly became dedicated to giving back to her community.
Summerlin currently leads the AP School District Wide PTO, which she has guided for 22 years to support children and families. She is now preparing to launch a nonprofit organization, Tri-City Youth Court through her District Wide PTO, to further empower the youth of the Asbury Park District. Additionally, she has served as president of West Side Citizens United since 2001.
In 2018, Summerlin co-founded Springwood Avenue Rising, an effort to rebuild and bring new life to a historic area in Asbury Park.
Summerlin started volunteering because she wanted to give back to her community. She saw that many kids didn't have a voice and wanted to be that voice for them. She also advocates for parents and steps in wherever she is needed. Her dedication has never wavered, and she continues to work hard to make Asbury Park a better place for everone.
Samer Ayyash was born in Zarqa, Jordan, in 1970. He came to America on July 10, 1977, when he was just seven years old. In 1991, he moved to New Jersey, and a year later, in 1992, he and his father bought a store in Asbury Park. That store, Sheffield's, became the start of Samer's deep connection to the community.
For over 35 years, Samer has worked hard to give back to the neighborhood. "We have to put money back into the community," he says. "I'm a part of the community, so I'm going to help out, so the kids can thrive and do better." Samer donates to schools and programs like boxing, arts, sports, and scholarships.
He wants to help kids have a chance to get out of tough situations and build better lives for themselves.
Samer Ayyash
Nina and Samer
A Partnership for the Asbury Park Community
Nina Summerlin and Samer Ayyash's partnership began when Nina started visiting Samer's store, asking for sponsorships for community and school events. Samer, already deeply invested in helping his neigh-borhood, quickly saw Nina's dedication to making Asbury a better place.
As they worked together on various projects, their bond grew stronger. Both Nina and Samer share the sane goal: to help the children of Asbury Park reach their potential. They recognize the immense talent and promise in the community's youth, but they also understand how easily things can go wrong without the right support system.
Through their teamwork, Nina and Samer have become a vital force in Asbury Park. Whether it's sponsoring events, creating programs, or simply being there for the kids, they've made it their mission to give young people the guidance and resources they need to thrive. Together, they're ensuring that the children of Asbury Park have a brighter future and a strong community to support them.
Valorie Roberts
Valorie Roberts continues a proud legacy that runs deep in Asbury Park. Her father, Edward Hinton, opened Eddie's Barbershop in 1940. For over 80 years, it has stood in the same place at
1321 Springwood Avenue, serving the people of Asbury Park. More than just a barbershop, it's been a safe space, a gathering place, and a symbol of Black excellence and community pride.
Today, Valorie keeps that legacy alive, running the shop and continuing the mission her father began one rooted in love, history, and service.
