Howard University alumna Sunny Sumter (BA ’94) has become a pivotal figure in Washington, D.C.’s cultural scene as the president and CEO of the DC Jazz Festival (DCJF).

Originally the “Duke Ellington Jazz Festival,” the five-day event was founded in 2004 by renowned jazz producer Charles Fishman. The nonprofit service organization was established to present jazz-related cultural and educational programming in Washington, D.C., aiming to “introduce students and adults from all walks of life to jazz.” 

The first festival kicked off on September 28, 2005, with events and programming happening in various venues throughout the city, including a National Mall concert, and has grown tremendously over the past 20 years. Today, it boasts several signature programs, including its annual JazzFest; a year-round education program; the Charles Fishman Embassy Series, which showcases emerging and established global artists; and the DCJazzPrix, the international emerging band competition that began in 2016.

Joining the organization in 2008, Sumter served as the organization’s executive director starting in 2010, overseeing signature programming before being promoted to lead DCJF in 2021. Under Sumter’s leadership, the festival has continued to evolve into a cornerstone of the city's artistic community, earning accolades such as the DC Mayor’s Arts Award for Excellence.

This year, Sumter is being honored with the Alumni Award for Distinguished Postgraduate Achievement. Her journey into the world of jazz was heavily influenced by her time at Howard University. Reflecting on her experiences, she credits Howard with instilling in her a  sense of confidence and self-awareness.

“I learned my confidence at Howard University,” she said. “What is really important and unique about Howard is that you really learn about yourself. I walked away confident that I could step into the workplace and just be myself, even before authenticity became a trend.”

Born and raised in Washington, D.C., Sumter was the first in her family to graduate from college. Unsure of her chances of acceptance, Sumter worked hard to score well on the SAT. 

“I didn't know if I would get in or not, but I scored well on the SAT,” she recalled. “So that's what got me in, and I didn't look back. It was the only university I applied to. I was convinced I was going to go.”

Sumter initially enrolled at Howard University as an accounting major at her father’s suggestion. He believed it would equip her with essential entrepreneurial skills. However, like many students, she decided to make a change. 

Initially “I wanted to major in voice. I auditioned and I got into the voice program,” she said. “My dad said, ‘Are you kidding me? What are you going to do with a voice degree?’”

Yet another change would come when was talking to a mentor who helped her discover the university’s music business degree program in the College of Fine Arts.

“I was talking to Dr. Arthur Dawkins who said, ‘Sunny, do you know we have a music business degree program right here in Fine Arts?’ And I said, ‘Are you kidding me? I had no idea.’ So that was an easy switch for me.”

Beyond her administrative prowess, Sumter is an accomplished vocalist and arts advocate. She has performed on both national and international stages and served as the host of “Jazz Central” on the BET network.

Her contributions to the arts have been recognized with numerous accolades, including the Jazz Journalists Association Jazz Heroes Award and the Sitar Arts Center Visionary Award. She is also a recipient of a Howard University Benny Award, which honors distinguished achievements in jazz.