Standing on the Shoulders of Giants: The Women Who Shaped Assemblywoman Shavonda Sumter

by A’Dorian Murray-Thomas,

SHE Wins Inc. Founder and CEO and Newark Board of Education Member

Who could have imagined an invitation from her friend Michelle to the community meeting in the basement of Canaan Baptist Church would lead to more than a decade of public service. No one, not even Assemblywoman Shavonda Sumter herself, knew then the seeds planted that evening would bloom for a lifetime.

Their neighborhoods teeming with factories, leading to poor air quality causing high asthma rates for residents, the Paterson Interfaith Community Organization (PICO) organized community members to ensure their voices were heard. “There’s something we can do about this? We don’t have to live this way? That was an aha moment for me,” said Sumter. So she did something. As a young organizer, Shavonda began helping with PICO’s petitions, drives, uplifting people’s stories, and equipping them with the tools to make their voices heard. At the age of 17, Shavonda was already doing more than the average teenager. She was a leader in the student council and volunteered at local organizations, a life made possible by the hard work of women in her family. Women like her mother, who worked multiple jobs to put her and her brother through college; and her grandmother, a domestic worker who raised three girls on her own after the death of her husband. Her godmother, none other than Elease Evans, a pioneering political powerhouse, community advocate, and assemblywoman of the 35th Legislative District, nurtured Shavonda as a young leader. “I did not know so many seeds would be poured into me,” she reflected. “The hands that were upon me, the prayers spoken over me to keep me covered…serving in my community was the training.”

When Assemblywoman Evans experienced health challenges and chose not to pursue elected office again, she tapped Shavonda to run for the seat. In a sea of more than half a dozen male candidates, all currently in elected office and vying for the position, Shavonda stood out and secured the nomination. In her historic win in 2012, she became only the 2nd African American woman in history to serve as assemblywoman for the 35th Legislative District in New Jersey.

An historic time for African American women in politics in New Jersey, Sumter’s House Chambers were led by then Speaker—now New Jersey Lieutenant Governor Sheila Oliver, and resounded with the words of leadership of fearless legislators like now Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman.

As a voice of the voiceless, Shavonda continues to honor that legacy. She recently organized the first roundtable of Democratic women of the State Senate and Assembly to strategize around key issues affecting women in New Jersey, i.e. reproductive rights, education, child tax credits, equitable housing, and accountable policing.

While her city of Paterson mourns the tragic death of Najee Seabrooks—a well-known anti-violence advocate and organizer who died at the hands of police while suffering a mental health crisis—Sumter remains steadfast in prioritizing the voice of her community. “Because of legislation I helped create, whenever there’s a loss of life at the hands of law enforcement, it goes directly to the attorney general’s office, not the local police department.” Additionally, Sumter serves as a proud sponsor of legislation that, when passed, will invest in crisis response teams and seek to reduce violent encounters with law enforcement.

When she’s not in the State House or serving as the president and CEO of a leading non-profit agency, Children’s Aid and Family Services, Assemblywoman Sumter makes time for joy. Be it spending time with her two sons, reading a new book, going to church on Sunday, or spending time with her husband on Friday for date night, she finds ways to nurture the light within and around her.

Jonathan McReynolds’ “Grace” is her song for this season. “I deal with a lot of intense issues and challenges. This song gives me a lot of resolve.” Resolve is key to the great work Assemblywoman Sumter has been called to do, and she seeks to inspire that resolve in the next generation of leaders.

As a young woman entering politics in the city of Newark, I personally have been inspired and encouraged by Assemblywoman Sumter. From notes of encouragement on social media to warm conversations at community events, her humility and support have directly impacted my own journey, a spirit that has characterized her work throughout the state of New Jersey. “The people of Paterson, we are real, we are hardworking, and we love hard.” For Assemblywoman Sumter, this love bears deep roots, stretching from her mother’s faith-filled home to the basement of Canaan Baptist Church, a fierce love Sumter uses to nourish seeds of sisterhood and service across New Jersey today. Celebrating Women’s History Month, Assemblywoman Sumter reminds us of the power of women uplifting other women, and using our seats at the table to empower our communities.


Nikole Hannah-Jones Hosts Black Read-In When Schools Wouldn’t

Nikole Hannah-Jones, a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and Howard University professor, is hosting a Black read-in event in Waterloo, Iowa, after...

Perfect SAT Score

During his four years at West Orange High School, Sahli Negassi balanced two sports, led two clubs, and excelled in...

DEI Benefits many Groups, not just Black and Brown Communities

Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs were created to support communities that have historically faced barriers to equal opportunities in...

Take a Minute. Make a Plan.

Diageo North America; Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD); the National Football League(NFL); and Uber Technologies, Inc. form a unique partnership...

5 Books to Start 2025 off Right

This curated collection of books offers insights and guidance on personal growth, spirituality, and holistic well-being. From James Clear’s actionable...

The Okwelians: Unlocking New Economic Paths for Cameroon

On the agenda: The Okwelians, an idea laboratory focused on empowering youth and the private...

Target Sees a Decline in Stocks

Target, once a favorite shopping destination for groceries, home décor, and essentials, is facing significant...

Financial Considerations for Multigenerational Households

For many families, and in many cultures, multigenerational living is a cherished aspect of home...

Ferlanda Fox Nixon NRBP President and CEO

BY CANDACE WALLER After an extensive search that included contacting hundreds of executives at chambers...

Debt Nearly Buried Them

Decades ago, lawyer John Glover stood in a bank lobby, struggling with financial ruin and...

Harnessing the Power of Community to Heal

By: Sakina Jordan, Behavioral Health/MetroPlusHealth During rush hour at Penn Station, a man was on the ground foaming at the...
Read More

The Hottest AI Models, What they Do, and How to Use Them

AI models are being cranked out at a dizzying pace, by everyone from Big Tech companies like Google to startups...
Read More

Exhibition Brings Story of ancient Egypt’s King Tut to Life

Ancient Egypt’s boy king, Tutankhamun, and his golden tomb have fascinated the world since their discovery by British archaeologist Howard...
Read More

Mickalene Thomas Makes Art

Mickalene Thomas’ artwork places Black women at the forefront, depicting them in moments of leisure—reclining on couches, sometimes nude, and...
Read More

The Center for Black Literature’s National Black Writers Conference Biennial Symposium

The Center for Black Literature’s National Black Writers Conference Biennial Symposium (NBWC2025) proudly returns with a focus on celebrating Black...
Read More

How To Reduce Screen Time On Phone

Did you know that an average person spends around 11 hours looking at a screen? Shockingly, this...

Black and Hispanic Women are Affected more by State Bands on Abortion

A new study analyzing birth data from 2023 found that state abortion bans significantly impacted...

A Guide to Black Women’s Health

In her new book, Melody T. McCloud seeks to change the trajectory of Black women’s...

Frontotemporal Dementia

Frontotemporal degeneration is one of the most common forms of neurodegenerative dementia. It refers to...

Synthetic Hair Marketed to Black Women contains Carcinogens and Lead, Report Finds

A Consumer Reports study found cancer-causing ingredients in 10 synthetic hair products commonly used in...