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Janice Sumler was born and raised in Fresno, CA attending Lincoln Elementary, Irwin, Jr High and graduating from Edison High School —Class of 1976. After graduating from Edison, Janice attended Fresno City College, transferring to Fresno State University majoring in Business Administration and Accounting.

Janice later became employed at the Dept. of Social Services in Eligibility/Out Reach Services and retired July, 2015 after 25 years of service.

Currently, Janice has continued in outreach services as Co-Founder of the Take A Stand Committee (2010). Take A Stand was created as an advocacy non-profit serving at-risk youth, engaging and implementing mentoring programs. Take A Stand hosts an annual Teen Summit for the youth entitled “Choices and Consequences”. Take A Stand also conducts monthly meetings engaging the community and providing many resources.

Janice is also the Director-Coordinator of the Fresno Juneteenth Committee organizing the annual celebration honoring the historical ending of slavery with the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation with over 5000 community residents attending.

This Year Juneteenth >>>>>

Janice is an active member of the West Fresno Democratic Club, The Friends of Allensworth. She also serves on the Advisory Board of Fresno County Pre-Term Birth Initiative Committee. Janice is extremely passionate and steadfastly committed to our community. She is the proud mother of two beautiful daughters, Jessica and Shurron.

If you would like to meet or celebrate with Janice Sumler, we are thrilled to invite you to celebrate with us at our All Black Affair - Black Magical Award event on February 29th @ Smugglers Banquet Hall at 7pm.

Purchase Tickets here

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/all-black-affair-bmw-awards-tickets-92581893937

The Vibe the Vote Mixer was nothing short of amazing as community leaders put their differences aside to come together for a greater cause.

Community leaders such as Tara Lynn of Fresno Black Chambers, Stephen Davis of BLOC, Feather Da’Wyz local comedian, Dr. Kehinde Solwazi, Kool Breeze Solar Hats, Council Member Oliver Baines, Trustee Eric Payne, Julia Najieb’s President of African American Museum, Lennice Najieb of ONME News, Janice Sumler of Take a Stand, and Kina McFadden of Eye Connect Dots all showed up to support and rally for the African American candidates.

There was a great sense of unity as community organizer Adrian Harris put on the first African American Candidate mixer. It was clear when Adrian Harris gave a heartfelt public apology to Julia and Lennice Najieb as he invited them on the stage and engaged in a tear jerking embraced group hug to settle their differences.

Meeting Set for November 6 at Monthly Museum Board Meeting

Emotions were high as candidates Tate Hill and Daren Miller came to a united front, shaking hands for photo ops and taking time to converse with each other throughout the evening. Toward the end of the event Tate Hill and Julia Nejieb were also spotted having what seemed to be a pleasant conversation full of smiles and laughter.

A special thank you to Candidates Tate Hill, Terri Edwards, Keshia Thomas, Shawn Brooks, Daren Miller, and Kimberly Tapscott-Munson for all of your hard work and continued efforts to be a positive change for our communities and also for showing up and making African Americans aware of the importance of their votes at November 6th Election Date

Oliver Baines of District 3 took center stage and spoke on the importance of the black vote in America. He made an extremely strong statement saying, “ If every person in here is not voting and not registered to vote YOU are in violation of what it means to be an African American in this country.” He also went on to mention the importance of the historicity of the mixer and how it should be done during every election to support our black candidates and to make African Americans accountable when it comes to voting.

The environment of the mixer seemed to really relax the candidates and the community leaders, opening the doors for meaningful interactions and a successful event. It is definitely something to be proud of when African American leaders come together and let go of all personal issues for the greater good of the people.

Special Thank You to Kocky's Bar & Grill for letting us Host Mixer

Written By Chera Mitchell

Photography By Cherelle Roshae

Videography By Hersie Stovall "Unity in the Community"