Rep. LaMonica McIver, Assemblywoman Shavonda Sumter, and Essex County Commissioner A’Dorian Murray-Thomas Speak About Legacy and Forging Their Own Paths In Honor of Black History Month
- Eliza Rosenthale
- Feb 26
- 3 min read
NEWARK, NJ (February 20, 2025) – In celebration of Black History Month, the Sheila Y. Oliver Civic Association, in collaboration with the Rutgers-Newark Sheila Y. Oliver Center for Politics and Race in America, hosted a Fireside Chat featuring U.S. Representative LaMonica McIver (NJ-10), Assemblywoman Shavonda Sumter (LD-35), and Essex County Commissioner
A’Dorian Murray-Thomas (District 2) on Thursday, February 20th, at Express Newark.
The discussion was moderated by Assistant Teaching Professor Hyacinth Miller of Rutgers-Newark’s Africana Studies and Political Science departments and Public Service Leadership Program Director for the Sheila Y. Oliver Center for Politics and Race in America, and introduced by Dr. James Jones, Associate Professor and Director of the Sheila Y. Oliver Center for Politics and Race in America, and Renee Oliver, niece of the late Lieutenant Governor Sheila Y. Oliver and President of the Sheila Y. Oliver Civic Association.
The event provided an intimate setting for students, community members, and aspiring leaders to engage with the panelists about politics, leadership, and personal growth. Each panelist spoke about why they decided to pursue public service, the motivations behind their continued advocacy, and barriers that they have overcome as Black women in politics.
“People will discredit you and disrespect you,” said Rep. LaMonica McIver. “They might not do that to someone who doesn’t look like me. But my three superpowers are being Black, young, and a woman. I try to rise and tune it out because I know that the work I have to do is bigger than that.”
The panelists reflected on the legacies of those who paved the way for their own work, especially the late Lieutenant Governor Sheila Y. Oliver, the namesake of both host organizations. Commissioner A’Dorian Murray-Thomas recalled Oliver telling her, “A’Dorian, we are so proud of you.” Murray-Thomas reflected on the profound meaning behind Oliver’s words, explaining that when Oliver said “we,” she was invoking a rich history of leaders who made Murray-Thomas’s journey possible.
Assemblywoman Shavonda Sumter offered advice to audience members interested in advocating for change in their communities: “We all have a purpose and impact that is bigger than us. Take the time to listen a little more acutely and open your hearts to an experience that may not be yours.”
Renee Oliver summarized the evening: “As we celebrate Black History Month, we reflect on the remarkable contributions of Black leaders—both past and present—who have shaped our communities and policies and will continue to shape our future. Tonight’s conversation continues that legacy.”
About the Sheila Y. Oliver Civic Association
The Sheila Y. Oliver Civic Association is a private, non-profit, non-partisan, 501(c)(3) charitable organization, committed to empowering underserved communities to achieve both economic and social success, as well as educating and developing young women of color who are interested in government, public policy, and community organizing.
About the Sheila Y. Oliver Center for Politics and Race in America (CPRA)
The Sheila Y. Oliver Center for Politics and Race in America, established in 2023 at Rutgers-Newark, examines the intersection of race and politics through research, education, and collaboration. We create public service career pathways for under-represented groups; promote civic engagement; and support bold and transformative research into race and politics. Renamed in 2024 to honor the late Lt. Governor Sheila Y. Oliver, the first woman of color to hold statewide office in New Jersey, the Center serves as a vital resource for understanding race in America’s political landscape.