Martin Sumners is a native Trentonian with family roots in New Jersey for over 100 years. Since graduating from the University of Virginia with a double major of History and African & African-American Studies and Rutgers Law School-Newark, he has spent almost two decades of service in state government with the Office of Legislative Services (OLS), the New Jersey State Assembly Democratic Office and currently as the Director of Legislative Affairs for the New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance. 

At OLS, he drafted the legislation creating the Amistad Commission for the purpose of implementing African-American history curriculum for the state’s public schools. While at the Assembly Democratic Office, Martin was instrumental in shaping legislation in the areas of social justice, education, agriculture, community affairs and financial institutions.

With a deep appreciation and desire to learn and enlighten others about the rich antiquity, contemporary progress, and future spirit of the African Diaspora, he joins the Stoutsburg Sourland African American Museum.