The word \u201cicon\u201d gets tossed around somewhat mindlessly these days. But when we say that this person was an icon, we mean it in every sense of the word. He was an icon within his family, within his community and within the Montgomery area as a whole. He was an icon to both the leaders of government and the trailblazers of the Civil Rights Movement. He was an icon to broadcasters with whom he worked and to a younger generation of broadcasters who have learned about him. Norman Lumpkin was \u2026 is a true icon, and the ABA is honored to induct him into the Alabama Broadcasters Association\u2019s Hall of Fame.<\/p>\n
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Lumpkin was working in Indianapolis when he was hired to join the staff of WSFA-TV in 1969, becoming the first African American television news reporter in the capital city. He mentored many young journalists over the years and was highly regarded by those who worked closely with him.<\/p>\n
\u201cI was a new cameraman. And he was so gracious in helping me know how to look for the shots he needed,\u201d says Jeff Harrison, currently operations manager at WFSA-TV. \u201cWhat I remember most about Norman is just the simple way he approached the story. There was no pomp and circumstance with Norman. He was there for the facts. You asked the questions and got the answers, and you moved on.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cHis philosophy on reporting was that he wanted it to be accurate, and he wanted it to be true,\u201d says Dean Argo, a former WFSA reporter. \u201cHe wanted the viewer to understand what’s happening, but then to form an opinion and decide what their response would be to that story. Did they need to change their perspective? Did they need to contact their local official? Did they need to become more involved in the community? And so, his philosophy was, \u2018I’m not on here to entertain you. I’m on here to educate you\u2019\u201d.<\/p>\n
\u201cNorman could feel the pulse of the community. He knew what was going on in the streets. He knew the back-channel chatter,\u201d says Harrison. \u201cHe definitely was a trailblazer especially for TV journalism.\u201d<\/p>\n
Unlike other broadcasters, Lumpkin had a unique and complicated relationship with Governor Wallace.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think they (the governor\u2019s office) originally expected Norman\u2019s attitude and his writing would show his perspective on what was going on. But Norman didn’t do that,\u201d explains Argo.<\/p>\n
Lumpkin confided in Arlo that keeping his opinions at bay was difficult.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt was very hard for him but that was one of the things that really helped Norman achieve such a high level of success. When he covered a story, it was never from a bias\u201d.<\/p>\n
In 1992, Norman Lumpkin left WSFA to become the news director for ABC affiliate WAKA in Montgomery. He left television and joined the Alabama Department of Transportation as a spokesperson in 1999, where he later retired. Lumpkin was inducted into the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences prestigious Silver Circle in 2007. He passed away at the age of 75 in 2014.<\/p>\n
Todd Towns, one of Lumpkin\u2019s nephews, says his work ethic and philosophy ran parallel to those he shared with his family.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe taught us that there might be some challenges and there might be some struggles, but there\u2019s a way,\u201d says Towns. \u201cKeep your word. Don\u2019t make excuses. And get it done. Complete the work.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cGrowing up I would see him on WSFA, and I was like wow! That\u2019s my uncle on TV! And I\u2019d think, \u2018I can do anything!\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cHe was devoted to his family and a fierce defender of his people,\u201d Towns continues. \u201cHe stood for something, and he looked for the best in you.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cHe gave me freedom. Freedom not to be afraid \u2013 not to doubt. He kicked doors down for me, for our family. That\u2019s what he gave us. And that is powerful \u2026 he was the man.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
The word \u201cicon\u201d gets tossed around somewhat mindlessly these days. But when we say that this person was an icon, we mean it in every sense of the word. He was an icon within his family, within his community and within the Montgomery area as a whole. He was an icon to both the leaders … Continue reading Norman Lumpkin<\/span>