Sumter Social

Sumter Social
Podcast Description
This is not just a podcast, it’s a love letter filled with stories to the community of the Blackbelt region. Sumter Social” uses storytelling to create a platform for community engagement and appreciation of Sumter County’s heritage. Sumter Social focuses on amplifying diverse voices and narratives to create a deeper connection between Sumter County and the rest of the South.
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast focuses on themes such as community engagement, educational experiences, and local heritage, with episodes like 'How School Choice Chose Luke Goldman' exploring student perspectives and 'The Story of School Choice: How the University Charter School came to Livingston' delving into the inception and impact of local educational institutions. It emphasizes the importance of diverse narratives and connections within and beyond Sumter County.

This is not just a podcast, it’s a love letter filled with stories to the community of the Blackbelt region. Sumter Social” uses storytelling to create a platform for community engagement and appreciation of Sumter County’s heritage. Sumter Social focuses on amplifying diverse voices and narratives to create a deeper connection between Sumter County and the rest of the South.
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 Robbery
Larkin'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.

Disclaimer
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