Redistricting Commission Testimony
Assemblywoman Shavonda Sumter
Chair of the Legislative Black Caucus

I would first like to thank the individuals who have accepted the most critical position of serving on the Redistricting Commission. As a citizen, whose legislative district was designed to be a full minority district during the 2010 Census, I am hyper-aware of the gravity of the pivotal decisions made by the panel and their impact on the future of legislative representation in New Jersey. I want to take this opportunity to congratulate the residents who took time during the pandemic to complete the Census. Also, a special thanks to members of the NJ Legislative Black Caucus who amplified the critical importance of a complete count; denounced the myths; and pushed through the barriers in hard-to-count areas across the state in partnership with countless civic organizations and individuals.

As a result of all of the efforts, the Census count revealed growth in New Jersey’s population over the last ten years. Having nearly a complete count of New Jersey residents will mean that many of our most impacted areas will receive the appropriate and necessary funding resources reflective of our communities. Moving forward, this reapportionment is crucial to ensuring all New Jersey communities are fairly represented in the State House over the next ten years.

The overlays of an increase in the Black diaspora, Hispanic Latinx and Asian populations mandate strong consideration is given to creating opportunities for cultural inclusion in the 40 state legislative districts. We want to be certain to avoid the pitfalls of the past where maps undermined communities of color, were divisive to communities’ interest and with priorities given to non-minority majorities to maintain legislative seats for generations.

The Covid-19 pandemic revealed the many structural and systemic challenges faced by communities of color today. We worked tirelessly with partners to highlight the necessity to bring testing and vaccines to families; for housing moratoriums to stem evictions and homelessness; and support for families with unemployed workers and facing food insecurity.

We further had to double-down on acquiring access to technology and broadband for students and schools during the year of virtual learning.

It is our hope that as we look to the future with hope for tomorrow, that our communities may elect a citizen of their peers to serve in the legislature and champion their local needs for school funding, municipal aid and policy changes. Trusting the community to elect a representative who will have a seat at the table to voice their interest, creates a true democracy.

As you go through this significant process, we continue to request transparency and solicited public engagement in this most critical civic exercise. We anticipate the submission of a State Legislative District map which reflects the growth and diversity of New Jersey. A map that gives communities of color opportunities to see themselves in their representation in the Statehouse, one who represents their interest and needs of their families and neighborhoods.

Thank you for the opportunity to submit this written testimony.

Shavonda Sumter, Chair
New Jersey Legislative Black Caucus