Sumter Social

In this special episode of Sumter Social, we sit down with Dr. Tina Jones to talk about one of Sumter County’s most beloved traditions—the long-standing Sucornochee Festival, happening Saturday, April 18th in Livingston, Alabama.Join us as we explore the rich history behind this cherished community celebration and how it has become a signature event in Alabama’s Black Belt region. Dr. Jones shares insights into the festival’s origins, its cultural significance, and what visitors can expect this year.We also spotlight the talented artisans, musicians, and local vendors who help bring the festival to life each year, creating a vibrant experience filled with music, handmade crafts, food, and hometown pride. Whether you’re a longtime attendee or planning your first visit, this episode gives you an inside look at the people and traditions that make the Sucornochee Festival so special.Plus, we discuss how listeners can join the activities, support local creators, and be part of the celebration in Livingston this Saturday.Tune in and discover why the Sucornochee Festival continues to bring community, culture, and history together year after year.To be a vendor or performer contact Dr. Tina Jones via email: [email protected] or Monica Moore at [email protected]

Sit down and hear this special talk with Lolita Smith of Old Ramsey and Elliot Poole of the Prairie both found in Emelle, Alabama. The tiny but fierce little town in Sumter County is rich with history! From land patents signed by a president to learning about how to continue your history by becoming a Heritage or Century Farm of Alabama, this episode is rich in fun stories, history, and small town charm! To start the process of registering as a Heritage or Century Farm Contact Amy Belcher with the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries: [email protected] or visit www.agi.alabama.gov for more details on preserving your family land and legacy with the department!

Join in on the conversation about the haunted history of the Blackbelt region with Dr. Alan Brown. Dr. Brown, a professor at the University of West Alabama shares his visual book and stories he loves to share about ghosts in the region as well as some of the most chilling moments hunting ghosts of his own! Find Dr. Browns books on Amazon and in Book stores near you!

In this heartfelt episode, we step into Larkin’s Restaurant in York, Alabama, and into the incredible story of its owner, Wendell Larkin. From a former career in insurance to running one of Sumter County’s most beloved soul food spots, Wendell shares how faith, grit, and fried chicken helped him build something special. He opens up about overcoming hardship — including surviving an armed robbery — and why he’s committed to creating opportunities for the youth in his hometown. It’s about more than good food — it’s about feeding dreams, too. If you believe in second chances, hometown pride, and the power of purpose, this episode will nourish your soul.Episode Links:WTOK Report about Larkin's RobberyLarkin's makes the LIST of 100 dishes to eat before you die! This project is supported by the Alabama Humanities Alliance, a state affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities.Any views, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this podcast do not necessarily represent those of the Alabama Humanities Alliance or the National Endowment for the Humanities.

In this episode of Sumter Social, host Amanda Gilliland chats with Dee Outlaw — longtime sports fixture, UWA Athletic Director, and proud LU graduate — about his decades-long connection to athletics in Livingston. Dee reflects on his journey from student to Sports Information Director, and now in his leadership role, shaping the next generation of student-athletes.From his personal Mount Rushmore of LU/UWA greats to stories that span generations of student achievement, Dee shares memories showing how deep the roots of community pride run in Sumter County sports. Whether you love college athletics or enjoy hometown hero stories, this episode is a winning listen.This project is supported by the Alabama Humanities Alliance, a state affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities.Any views, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this podcast do not necessarily represent those of the Alabama Humanities Alliance or the National Endowment for the Humanities.

In this episode of Sumter Social, host Amanda Gilliland welcomes Slade Johnston — entrepreneur, realtor, and lifelong outdoorsman — for a conversation about one of Sumter County’s favorite pastimes: hunting. Slade shares insight into the county’s rich hunting opportunities, the beauty of the land, and why this area is a dream for those who love the great outdoors.Joining him is his fiancée, Macy Watkins — a positive social media influencer, artist, and one of Sumter County’s newest residents. Macy opens up about how her faith, love for hunting, and creative passions have all found a home in her new neighborhood of Sumter County, Alabama. Together, they reflect on the deep traditions of hunting in the Blackbelt region and the unique charm of life in Sumter County.Whether you’re in a stand before sunrise or just enjoy a good story from the woods, this episode is for you.This project is supported by the Alabama Humanities Alliance, a state affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities.Any views, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this podcast do not necessarily represent those of the Alabama Humanities Alliance or the National Endowment for the Humanities.Key links: Check out Slade’s current land listings: https://tuttland.com/agents/sjohnston Learn about Macy and see her shop:  https://www.heyyallitsmacy.com/ Instagram: @sladejohnston and @macywatkins14Macy's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@macywatkinsoutdoorsSponsors discussed: https://www.academy.com/, https://www.chevrolet.com/, https://turtleboxaudio.com/

In this episode, we sit down with a trailblazing student from University Charter School (UCS) — one of the very first to walk its halls when it opened, and proudly part of its inaugural graduating class. He shares what it was like starting from scratch in year one, the highs and challenges of being part of something brand new, and how a strong sense of community turned UCS into more than just a school — it became a high school town vibe in the heart of a rural community.We dive into how student voices helped shape the school’s culture, the power of support from teachers and neighbors, and why this student believes community is the real reason behind UCS’s success. Whether you’re an educator, student, or just love a good origin story — this one's for you.🎧 Tune in and hear what it means to grow with your school — and help define its legacy.This project is supported by the Alabama Humanities Alliance, a state affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities.Any views, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this podcast do not necessarily represent those of the Alabama Humanities Alliance or the National Endowment for the Humanities.

In this episode of Sumter Social, host Amanda Gilliland sits down with two familiar faces — Dr. JJ Wedgworth, Head of School at University Charter School, and Dr. Matt Johnson, Chief Academic Officer — to talk about how UCS got its start right here in Sumter County.They share the real story behind school choice in our community, the conversations that sparked change, and the journey of building a school that brings people together. It’s about more than classrooms — it’s about creating opportunities for every child and believing in what’s possible for our hometown.Whether you’re a parent, student, educator, or just someone who cares about the future of Sumter County, this episode will hit home.