[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 69 (Thursday, May 8, 2014)]
[House]
[Page H3944]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        HONORING NORMAN LUMPKIN

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from 
Alabama (Ms. Sewell) for 5 minutes.
  Ms. SEWELL of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to 
the life and legacy of veteran newscaster Norman Lumpkin, who passed 
away on Tuesday, May 6. While we mourn the passing of this pioneer, I 
am comforted in knowing that his legacy will live on through the 
barriers he broke for Black journalists in the State of Alabama.
  I join with his family, friends, and former colleagues in remembering 
Norman Lumpkin for his numerous contributions to the industry.
  Norman launched his longstanding media career by working for radio 
stations in Montgomery, Alabama, and Indianapolis, Indiana. However, 
Norman would rise to prominence when he was hired in 1969 by WSFA in 
Montgomery, Alabama. He was the station's first Black reporter and also 
the first Black reporter hired in the Montgomery media market.
  Historian Richard Bailey defined Norman's prolific career in 3 words: 
``forceful, thorough, and believable.'' Bailey further noted that 
Norman personified Black broadcasting. He coined the phrase, ``If you 
don't want to hear it on this station, don't let it happen.'' The 
phrase represented not only his thirst for truth but his commitment to 
accurate reporting.
  Norman was guided by these principles when he was assigned to cover 
the reelection bid of then-segregationist Governor George Wallace in 
1970. During the race, Norman admitted that fellow reporters would give 
him misinformation to embarrass him in efforts to discredit his 
journalistic integrity.
  But this passionate advocate for truth was not deterred. In fact, 
Governor Wallace personally made sure that Norman was kept abreast of 
new developments and campaign events. Through his extraordinary 
coverage of Governor Wallace, Norman not only earned credibility but a 
lasting respect from those in the industry.
  His perseverance proved that he was poised to become one of the best 
investigative journalists in the State of Alabama.
  Norman Lumpkin also made history off-camera. He was the first Black 
president of the Alabama AP Broadcasters Association and was inducted 
into the National Academy of Television and Arts' prestigious Silver 
Circle in 2007.
  He eventually left WSFA in 1999 and became news director at 
Montgomery's ABC affiliate before serving as public relations director 
for the Alabama Highway Department, where he eventually retired.
  Today, I honor Norman Lumpkin for serving as an impeccable role model 
and source of inspiration for generations of Black journalists who now 
follow in his footsteps. Those that had the pleasure of watching him 
were indeed inspired by his mere presence. He was to many a perfect 
illustration of what was possible in his field. As he courageously 
broke barriers, he gave African Americans a voice in a State that was 
still struggling for racial equality.

                              {time}  1015

  On behalf of a grateful Nation and State, we salute this American 
hero and Alabama treasure. Saying thanks to Norman Lumpkin somehow 
seems woefully inadequate, but on behalf of the countless journalists 
and media professionals that you have inspired, we honor your legacy 
and your place in Alabama history.
  I ask my colleagues to join me in mourning the passing of a great 
veteran journalist, Norman Lumpkin.

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