Meet Tika Sumpter’s Parents: Arthur Curtis Sumpter Sr. and Janice Acquista

Tika Sumpter is an acclaimed American actress, producer, and model recognised for her outstanding performances in film and television.

She has starred in notable projects such as Southside with You, Ride Along, and the Sonic the Hedgehog franchise, as well as her standout role in the Oprah Winfrey Network drama series The Haves and the Have Nots.

Born Euphemia LatiQue Sumpter on June 20, 1980, in Queens, New York, Tika is of African American, Native American, English, and Caribbean descent. Raised in a Christian household, she developed a strong sense of cultural pride and resilience.

Her parents, Arthur Curtis Sumpter Sr. and Janice Acquista, provided the foundation for her values and work ethic. After their divorce when she was seven, her mother became the primary caregiver for Tika and three of her six siblings, two of whom were adopted.

Growing up in a working-class family in Queens, Tika developed determination and ambition at an early age. She thrived as a cheerleader at Longwood Senior High School in Middle Island, New York, before pursuing a degree in communications at Marymount Manhattan College. While studying, she balanced multiple jobs, including waitressing, while attending acting classes—an early indication of her dedication to performing arts.

Behind Tika Sumpter’s success is the unwavering support of her parents. Their influence shaped her values, fueled her passion for storytelling, and inspired her to pursue a career in the entertainment industry.

Arthur Curtis Sumpter Sr.

Arthur Curtis Sumpter Sr., born in Queens, New York, is a private individual who has largely stayed out of the public eye, allowing his daughter’s star to shine.

Described as a devoted father, he created a nurturing environment that encouraged Tika to pursue her dreams in the competitive entertainment industry. His supportive parenting style, alongside his former wife Janice, provided Tika with the emotional and moral backing she needed to navigate the challenges of Hollywood.

Arthur’s influence is evident in Tika’s grounded personality and strong work ethic. Tika has occasionally shared glimpses of their close relationship on social media, highlighting moments of family warmth and connection.

For instance, Arthur is known to update his Instagram with photos of his daughter, showcasing his pride in her achievements. His role as a father extended beyond Tika, as he is believed to have other children from his marriage, though details about them remain undisclosed.

Arthur’s roots in Queens, where Tika was born on June 20, 1980, provided a stable backdrop for her formative years. He once owned a restaurant, though the venture was short-lived, reflecting his entrepreneurial spirit.

His ability to create a supportive home environment, coupled with his encouragement of Tika’s talents, laid the foundation for her success as an actress and producer.

Janice Acquista

Janice Acquista, Tika’s mother, is a woman of strength and resilience who raised Tika and her siblings under challenging circumstances. Born of African American and Native American descent, Janice faced significant hardships, including a divorce from Arthur when Tika was just seven years old.

Following the separation, Janice became the primary caregiver for Tika and three of her six siblings, two of whom were adopted. Initially a homemaker, Janice transitioned to working as a secretary and later became a corrections officer to support her family, demonstrating her determination to provide a stable life for her children.

Janice’s strict yet loving parenting style left a lasting impact on Tika, who has spoken fondly of her mother’s influence. In an interview, Tika described Janice as a disciplinarian who instilled strong values in her children.

Janice made efforts to create joyful moments, such as when Tika, working at a movie theatre as a teenager, would treat her mother to free movies, popcorn, and candy to help her relax. These small gestures reflect the close bond between mother and daughter, forged through shared challenges and mutual support.

Janice’s life was not without its trials. In 2017, she made headlines when she was arrested in North Carolina over a $10 library fine, an incident that highlighted the sometimes-overzealous nature of legal enforcement.

Tika has not publicly commented extensively on the event, but it brought brief attention to Janice’s life outside her role as a mother.

Janice has also remarried, though her current husband’s identity remains private.