Norman Lumpkin, who helped bring diversity to television news in Alabama has died. A spokesman for Ross-Clayton Funeral Home in Montgomery confirmed that Lumpkin died Tuesday morning. Lumpkin worked for radio stations in Montgomery, Indianapolis, Indiana, before being hired by WSFA-TV in Montgomery in 1969 as the first African-American TV reporter in the capital city. Lumpkin was inducted into the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences prestigious Silver Circle in 2007.
Wrongful Death Lawsuit
The family of a rap artist who was shot and killed at a now-closed Montgomery nightclub has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the city of Montgomery and the owner of Centennial Hill Bar and Grill. The suit states that Glenn Thomas, the rapper known as Doe B, was slain on December 3rd at the Centennial Hill Club on High Street. The shooting spree left two other people dead and five victims injured. The suit contends the city of Montgomery granted the nightclub a liquor license despite its history of violating state liquor laws. Following the December shootings, the city ordered the business to close citing a threat to public safety.
Get Wired
A national education campaign for access to high speed internet in Alabama's Black Belt region launched Tuesday. "Get Wired Alabama" is sponsored by the South Central Alabama Broadband Commission, an organization made up of 17 rural counties in the state's Black Belt region. SCABC Managing Director, Dr. Aaron McCall said the proposed infrastructure would level the playing field in healthcare, education and economic development. The website is getwired.org.
ASU Golf
The Alabama State University Women's golf team is on the way to the NCAA East Regional Championship. The squad earned the honor after winning the SWAC title for the second consecutive year. ASU Golf Coach Gary Grandison says he's hopeful for what his girls will bring to the course in the upcoming championship.