The Gantt Mourns the Loss of Legendary Reporter and Journalist, Steve Crump

Crump's legacy lives on through his journalistic and storytelling excellence, imprint on the news - local and beyond - integrity, community impact, and mentorship.

It's with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Steve Crump on August 31, 2023. Born in Louisville, KY, Crump had a major impact on local news reporting and journalism. His stories and documentaries will continue to live on.

Crump grew up in Louisville's historically Black, Smoketown neighborhood and graduated from Eastern Kentucky University in 1980 with a degree in journalism. He worked in Lexington, KY, Savannah, GA, and other cities before he took a job with Charlotte’s WBTV in 1984. He was drawn to documentary filmmaking 10 years later by the prospect of telling African American stories. His documentary work has explored the story of Smoketown, the legacy of the Friendship Nine, and the banjo's Black history.

Video: Men of Change: Power. Triumph. Truth.

Steve Crump had a distinguished career at WBTV Charlotte as reporter, anchor, producer, and award-winning documentary film maker. Crump made over 20 films that reflect his mission to tell nuanced stories about the African American experience.

Crump was the recipient of countless accolades, including the National Association of Black Journalists' Journalist of Distinction Award, in recognition of his in-depth coverage of topics of significance to people in the African Diaspora; the Salute to Excellence; and the Distinguished Achievement in Documentary Filmmaking by Charlotte's Arts and Science Council. He also received the NAACP Legal Defense Fund Humanitarian of the Year and the National Council of Negro Women Man of the Year, Charlotte Chapter awards. In 2013, Crump was the recipient of the Martin Luther King Jr. Medallion, which honors a Charlottean who has worked to promote racial equality and social justice.

Photo by Rusty Williams

Posted on Thursday, August 31, 2023

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