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Maxine Crump is a well known figure in the Baton Rouge community and one of the 12 local speakers you can come see speak on Feb. 28 at TEDxLSU 2015. After growing up about 25 miles west in Maringouin, she made history in 1975 by becoming Channel-9 News’ first African American reporter. In addition to her 14-year career in television and radio broadcasting, she has also worked in news, public relations and media development.
Crump can no longer be found on the local news. Today, you’ll find her sparking important conversations about ending racial discrimination in her role as president and CEO of the community outreach program Dialogue On Race Louisiana.
I connected with her recently to learn a little more about her life and background. Here are the highlights of our conversation.
“Connect” is the theme for TEDxLSU 2015. What connects you to Baton Rouge?
I began building a connection to Baton Rouge during my childhood with many road trips with my parents to shop. It’s where I went to college and then television gave me a connection here as the community embraced the fact that I was the first black female reporter in Baton Rouge. It’s a deep south city and I love the south with all its character and flaws too. I have felt Baton Rouge’s growth along with my growth.
What is your favorite thing to do in Baton Rouge?
My favorite thing to do in Baton Rouge is go to the many local fine dining restaurants. Restaurants here are as good as New Orleans and sometimes better.
After your first show as a WAFB TV reporter, did you know that was where you belonged?
Not at all. It took quite a while before I felt I belonged. I came into TV news with no TV or news experience. I had been a radio DJ only.
Did you have the slightest clue that job would turn into a career spanning more than a decade?
Not a clue or that it would lead to so many opportunities as a results. The job continues to serve me.
TEDxLSU has a mission of creating dialogue within our community surrounding ideas and innovation. What are we not talking about that we should be?
I must say, TEDxLSU is doing one of the best jobs of talking in this town, bar none. Sometimes I crave more meaningful conversations that I have a hard time finding here. TEDxLSU is a leader in talking about what isn’t being talked about here.
As you are prepping for TEDxLSU 2015, what TED talks are inspiring you?
- Brené Brown as she talks about vulnerability and shame, something we don’t like to talk about.
- Ken Robinson on how schools kills creativity, a truth he dares to tell.
- Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie on the danger of a single story because it relates to my topic.
Which living person do you most admire?
The person I most admire is President Barack Obama because of his ability to stay positive, confident, brilliant and compassionate as well as continue to do an amazing job as president in the midst of continual major onslaught of negative attacks and criticisms.
After doing a lot of Internet research about you, you and your mother’s amazing fashion sense really stood out to me. What is one thing you borrow from her to complete an outfit?
I rarely borrow my mother’s things at all. When I have borrowed from her, it was her earrings. She likes flashy earrings and I do too.
What was your highlight of 2014?
My highlight of 2014 is the invitation to give a TEDx Talk. I would never have imagined I would be invited to talk about a subject that makes people feel so uncomfortable.
To learn more about Maxine and TEDxLSU 2015, follow TEDxLSU on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. Connect with Maxine and her fellow speakers on Feb. 28.
