Charlotte journalists hold first Steve Crump Scholarship Brunch

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (WBTV) - The Charlotte Area Association of Black Journalists (CAABJ) held its inaugural Steve Crump Scholarship Brunch on Nov. 7, with nearly 250 people in attendance.

The event took place at the Embassy Suites Hotel in Charlotte. Crump worked at WBTV for nearly 40 years. He died three years ago from colon cancer.

Whitaker speaks at brunch

“60 Minutes” correspondent Bill Whitaker, who also worked at WBTV, was the guest speaker. Whitaker said that if you knew Crump, you would know why everyone attending had to be there.

“He was such a presence, he was everyone’s friend, and he was an exceptional journalist. He cared. He cared about this town, about the people of North Carolina, and it showed through all of his work,” Whitaker said.

First scholarship recipient named

Maveah Griffith was named the first scholarship recipient. She received $2,500 to continue pursuing a career in journalism at North Carolina A&T University in Greensboro, North Carolina.

Griffith thanked CAABJ for the financial support. She said that although she did not know Crump, she was grateful for his work and honored to receive a scholarship that bears his name.

Whitaker said Crump would be pleased.

“He was a mentor to so many, and now even though he is no longer with us, he’s able to hold the hand of young journalists, and pull it along. I think there’s no better legacy, no better way to remember him than this scholarship,” Whitaker said.

Legacy Award recipients

CAABJ honored three local veteran journalists with the Steve Crump Legacy Award. The journalists have spent years covering news in Charlotte and its communities.

Bea Thompson spent more than three decades working in television news and radio.

Fannie Flono spent about 30 years writing for The Charlotte Observer, covering the African American community.

Glenn Burkins spent many years as a journalist. He started QCity Metro in 2008. The outlet is Charlotte’s digital news outlet that highlights and serves African American communities. Bill Whitaker also received the Steve Crump Legacy Award.

All three recipients knew Steve Crump and said they were honored and humbled to receive the award.

Many people said they left the event inspired to continue the work of journalism and storytelling. And they are looking forward to next year.