Who is Woodford R. Porter?
Woodford R. Porter
The Woodford R. Porter, Sr. Society of Porter Scholars is named in honor of Woodford R. Porter, Sr., a leader in Louisville's civic, business and education communities. He was the first African American to serve as President of the Louisville School District Board of Education and as Chairman of the University of Louisville's Board of Trustees. The group was formed in 1986 to provide academic and social support to the Woodford R. Porter Sr. Scholarship recipients and to promote interaction, enhance leadership opportunities and development, as well as encourage professional/graduate education.
As a young man growing up in the west end of downtown Louisville, Woodford R. Porter, Sr., had firsthand experience with total segregation. He went to black schools, black churches, and black playgrounds.
Mr. Porter was the owner of A.D. Porter & Sons Funeral Home, one of the area's longest running privately held African American funeral home, which is now in its third generation of family ownership.
Over the years many students have reaped and continue to benefit from this scholarship.
Mr. Porter, who died July 30, 2006 at the age of 87, leaves a legacy of which all scholarships recipients can be proud!