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 shar...

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...

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 —...

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 Rushmor...

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, Ma...

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 sc...

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...