Legislative Black Caucus releases information for donations to scholarship fund honoring Oklahoma’s first black senator

After recently announcing plans to create a $10,000 endowed scholarship at Langston University honoring E. Melvin Porter, Oklahoma’s first black member of the state Senate, the chair of the Legislative Black Caucus announced Tuesday that Langston University is now accepting donations.

Sen. Kevin Matthews said the Langston University Foundation can answer questions or accept contributions to the Sen. E. Melvin Porter Scholarship Fund. Those interested can contact Dana Hope Chism at 405-466-6024, dhchism@langston.edu, or visit the school’s website at www.langston.edu.

“E. Melvin Porter was an important civil rights leader and worked to protect those rights while serving in the Senate,” said Sen. Kevin Matthews, D-Tulsa. “This scholarship will honor his life and service.”

In addition to Chairman Matthews, who represents Senate District 11, other members of the Oklahoma Legislative Black Caucus include Vice Chair, Rep. George E. Young, House District 99; Sen. Anastasia Pittman, Senate District 48; Rep. Mike Shelton, House District 97; and Rep. Regina Goodwin, House District 73.