E. Melvin Porter
Edward Melvin Porter (May 22, 1930 – July 26, 2016) was an American lawyer, politician, and civil rights activist in the state of Oklahoma.
E. Melvin Porter | |
|---|---|
| Member of the Oklahoma Senate for the 48th district | |
| In office 1965–1987 | |
| Preceded by | none (first member) |
| Succeeded by | Vicki Miles-LaGrange |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Edward Melvin Porter May 22, 1930 Okmulgee, Oklahoma, U.S. |
| Died | July 26, 2016 (aged 86) Oklahoma City, Oklahoma |
| Nationality | American |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse(s) |
|
| Residence | Oklahoma City, Oklahoma |
| Alma mater | Tennessee State University Vanderbilt University Shorter College |
Biography
Porter was born in 1930 in Okmulgee, Oklahoma. He attended Tennessee State University, Vanderbilt University, and Shorter College. He passed the Oklahoma Bar examination in 1960. A lawyer, Porter has seven children.[2][3] In 1961, Porter served as president of the Oklahoma City National Association for the Advancement of Colored People.[4]
After an unsuccessful campaign for a seat in the State House in 1962, Porter was elected to the Oklahoma State Senate in 1964 to serve the newly redrawn district 48. He is the first African American to sit in the Oklahoma State Senate. He served until 1987.[4] Porter died on July 26, 2016 at his home in Oklahoma City.[5][6]